Barnstead ATV driver hurt in rollover Sunday night

BARNSTEAD — A Barnstead ATV operator was sent to the hospital after fracturing their skull, and sustaining other head and face injuries, after being thrown from the vehicle during a rollover crash on Sunday night.

Barnstead Police and Fire departments responded to a report of an ATV accident at about 6 p.m. on March 29, and found that Trent Watson, 24, was operating a three-wheeled ATV westward on Cook Road, which had “soft” and “muddy" conditions, according to information provided by Sgt. Donald Bolduc.

Fire Chief Al Poulin was not present at the accident, but spoke to an off-duty firefighter who was first on the scene, and found Watson on a stone wall after rolling the ATV several times. Watson had been riding with friends. He had clear signs of severe head and facial injuries, Poulin said. An ambulance from Barnstead Fire Department arrived shortly after, and firefights gave him medical aid.

Watson was thrown from the ATV during the crash, and suffered significant head and facial trauma. He was not wearing a helmet. According to Bolduc, witnesses said Watson briefly lost consciousness after hitting the soft dirt on the shoulder of the road.

Watson was treated at the scene by Barnstead Fire EMS, and was then taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital by the Barnstead ambulance with three paramedics aboard. Poulin said he came to the hospital as a trauma patient.

Watson was transferred to Massachusetts General Medical Center to be treated for skull and jaw fractures, and head trauma. Poulin did not know his status on Tuesday.

There were no other vehicles or injuries reported from the accident.

Poulin commended the first responders, saying they were professional and did a great job evaluating Watson's condition.

Poulin said Barnstead has experienced accidents involving ATVs and motorcycles over the years, noting the town has many dirt and logging roads popular for people to ride on.

He recommends anyone riding a recreation vehicle be sure to stay on trails authorized by the state and not public roads, and always wear a helmet and protective clothing.

The accident is under investigation, but police did not see evidence of speeding or reckless operation. Bolduc added this accident shows the dangers of riding an ATV without proper protective gear.

“The Barnstead Police Department urges all ATV riders to wear helmets and practice safety, particularly with challenging seasonal road conditions,” Bolduc stated in the release.