Another wreck at dangerous Belmont crossing

Published Date

BELMONT — Four people from one car were taking by two ambulances to Lakes Regional General Hospital with what appeared to be not life-threatening injuries after a two-car crash at the corner of Dutile Road and Route 106 yesterday around 3:30 p.m.
Lt. Richard Mann said it appears that the driver of a pickup truck — Steven Osmer — was trying to cross Route 106 from Dutile Road to Leavitt Road when he hit the Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Ryan Coutu, as he was driving through the intersection headed south on Route 106.
Police said it appears Osmer was stopped at the stop sign and didn't realize how close Coutu and the Malibu were to the intersection before he tried to cross the highway.
The Malibu is likely a total loss and the truck sustained damage to the driver's side and front.
Traffic was detoured for about 45 minutes around the crash site.
Fire Chief David Parenti said the driver of the Malibu had a head laceration and one complained of chest pain which could likely have been caused by the seat belt.
He said all of the four people in the Malibu appeared to be in their early 20s and included the driver, one male and two female passengers. The air bags in the Malibu deployed.
He said all four were able to get of the Malibu by themselves.
Belmont Fire And Rescue responded with two truck and both ambulance and were able to handle the crash themselves.
Belmont Police directed traffic along with the assistance of a New Hampshire State Trooper who happened to be in the area.
Both Mann and Parenti said the intersection at Route 106 and Dutile and Leavitt Roads is one of the more dangerous in Belmont and has been the scene of repeated accidents, both major and minor, over the years.
Anyone who may af witnessed the crash is asked to call the Belmont Police at 267-8350.

CUTLINE (crash 004) Four people in their early 20s were taken to Lakes Region General Hospital after a two-car crash yesterday at about 3:30 p.m. on Route 106 at the intersection of Dutile and Leavitt Roads. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Gail Ober)