Police believe speed, wet conditions led to Summit Ave crash on Tuesday

GILFORD — Police are investigating a crash where an SUV nearly went onto Lake Winnipesaukee off the Governors Island Bridge on Tuesday morning.

Gilford Police received a 911 call just before 9 a.m. on Oct. 13, for a report of a vehicle hitting a tree and falling into the water, with both occupants out of the SUV. Capt. Adam VanSteensburg said responding officers found the vehicle, a 2017 Kia Telluride, hit a tree, which basically caught the car and stopped it from going into the lake.

“The vehicle didn’t actually go into the water," VanSteensburg said. "But it was pretty darn close."

An early investigation of the crash shows a 21-year-old Gilford resident was driving down Summit Ave toward Laconia and lost control. He said the vehicle looks like it “caught an edge,” and struck a tree that was at the waterline, and prevented the vehicle from submerging.

“It appears that speed may have been a factor,” VanSteensburg said. “Mix of speed and road conditions.”

VanSteensburg said there was “steady rain” at the time of the accident, causing the road to be wet. There were also pine needles in the area that could cause it to be slippery.

The driver had her mother in the passenger seat, and both received minor injuries, but declined to be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

No ticket or summons was written for the accident, which could change, pending what investigators find. VanSteensburg said the driver and the passenger were interviewed.

“The accident is under investigation," he said.

VanSteensburg said they were ready for the worst, with the report indicating a car launched off the bridge.

“Thankfully, it was minor injuries,” he said. “It could have been a lot worse.”

Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert said when it comes to crashes at the Governors Island Bridge, Laconia and Gilford Police and Fire departments all respond. In this case, his department’s boat was requested to assist in a vehicle removal from the water. Since this was not the case, they were called off the scene.

“It was determined there was no emergency, so everyone was cancelled,” Joubert said.

The vehicle was removed from the scene by Bertocchi Towing from Laconia at 9:56 a.m. Tuesday, and the last officer left the scene at 10:03 a.m.

No other vehicles were involved, and VanSteensburg said he doesn’t know of any witnesses. If anyone saw the collision or has other information, they should contact Officer Ely Hefner at 603-527-4737.