By Dylan Marsh
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CHARLESTOWN — On October 20, 2022, a 20-year man from North Walpole, New Hampshire was announced dead at the scene of an accident on Bellows Falls Road in Charlestown.
At roughly 8:30 PM on Thursday evening, the Charlestown Police Department responded to a call regarding a pedestrian that had been struck by a car on Route 12. It was determined by the investigating police departments that a group of three people, including the young man who perished in the accident, were traveling on Bellow Falls Road when their vehicle struck a bear. The collision with the wildlife was so severe as to be debilitating to the vehicle. After the collision, the occupants of the car exited the vehicle to assess the damage that had been caused.
During the group’s assessment of damages, another vehicle driven by a male, 59-year-old Claremont resident, driving a 2017 Volvo, was also traveling northbound on Bellows Fall Road and did not see the disabled vehicle. As a result, the Volvo struck the rear of the disabled vehicle, as well as the 20-year-old man.
The driver of the debilitated vehicle, a 17-year-old female, also sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital by family members. It is uncertain at this time if her injuries were sustained during the collision with the bear or as a result of the Volvo hitting the rear end of her vehicle.
After the Volvo struck the car, it is reported to have crossed the center lines and came to a stop on the westside of Bellows Falls Road. All parties involved with the accidents have been in full cooperation with law enforcement officials. According to early reports, law enforcement officials do not have any reason to suspect impairment, distracted driving, or speed as factors of the accident. The Charlestown Police Department is continuing to investigate this situation and has asked that if anyone has any information please reach out to Chief Patrick Connors or Lieutenant Jonathan Graham at the Charlestown Police Department.
Officials with the Charlestown Police Department stated on October 21st that no new information regarding the incident was available.
According to reports from Vermont and New Hampshire Fish and Game Departments, bear sightings will typically increase around dawn and dusk during the fall season as they prepare for the upcoming winter.
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