Motorcyclist killed in collision with Jeep in Gilmanton

GILMANTON — Police are investigating a fatal collision at the intersection of Route 106 and Allens Mill Road on Friday evening, when the road was busy with weekend summer traffic.

Robert Arbo Jr., 56, of Salem, died at Concord Hospital, in Concord, on Aug. 7.

According to Chief Matthew Currier, police responded to the crash at 5:39 p.m. on Aug. 7, involving a 2016 Jeep Wrangler driven by Aaron Martell, 47, of Canterbury, and a 2001 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by Arbo.

A preliminary investigation by Gilmanton Police and the Belknap Regional Accident Investigation Team found the motorcycle was traveling north, and the Jeep was traveling west, and stopped at a stop sign at Allens Mill. Currier said the collision was at the intersection, and the cause is under investigation, including who was at fault.

Arbo and Martell were both taken to Concord Hospital. Currier was unsure of the nature of Martell’s injuries.

The accident reconstruction team and Gilmanton Police are continuing to investigate the crash, including whether other vehicles may have contributed to the collision. Currier said, being a Friday afternoon in August, the road had a “fair amount of traffic coming into the Lakes Region.”

Initial officers on the scene spoke with other drivers on Route 106.

“We are still trying to piece together whether other vehicles were involved,” Currier said.

“Others were driving at the same time, so whether or not their locations played a role is under investigation.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Currier said the reconstruction team was still working. No charges had been filed, and he could not say whether any were expected until the investigation is complete.

“It’s too early to tell.”

The accident closed Route 106 near Stone Road in Belmont, and again south of the scene at Loudon Ridge Road. Vehicles were also detoured away from Route 106 at the Allens Mill intersection.

Belmont Fire Chief Donald Pickowicz said Belmont Fire and EMS personnel assisted Gilmanton with taking a patient to Concord Hospital in a Gilmanton Fire ambulance. Loudon Fire Department brought the other patient to Concord Hospital.

Belmont Police assisted at the scene, as well as with traffic control.

Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Gilmanton Police at 603-267-7401.