Police say driver in Route 3 bypass accident 'very lucky' after crashing into woods

GILFORD — A 59-year-old driver was sent to the hospital after crashing into the woods along the Route 3 bypass Thursday night. Police say he was lucky it didn’t turn out worse.

“Based on the totality of the circumstances, he got very lucky,” Lt. Curtis Mailloux said.

Mailloux was on his way back from SWAT training, in Alton, when he was called to a single-vehicle accident on Route 3, at 6:26 p.m. on Sept. 17. Mailloux said a witness called to report the driver of 2025 Nissan Sentra crossed into the opposing lane of traffic, and continued into the woods near the Morrill Street Bridge.

A witness told police the driver was traveling south when he crossed over the median, into oncoming traffic, and into the woods, where he came to a rest down a slope. Mailloux said the driver was fortunate to crash into a spot where there were only saplings, didn’t roll his vehicle, and also that he didn’t hit anyone.

“He was 30 or 40 feet into the woods, and avoided all the big trees,” Mailloux said.

It was raining at the time of the accident, but Mailloux said early indications don’t show the weather contributing to the crash. It has not been ruled out, and the report was not complete as of Friday morning.

Mailloux said police suspect there was a medical emergency, and no charges were filed. The driver was alert and talking when officers arrived, and was able to get out of the vehicle on his own. The driver was taken to Concord Hospital-Laconia by a Gilford Fire Department ambulance to be treated for minor facial injuries.

The bypass remained open as officers and emergency personnel responded. Rusty’s Towing & Recovery removed the vehicle, and the scene was cleared at 7:45 p.m.