Benjamin A. Wilson Obituary, Death – Early Friday morning, authorities responded to a deadly crash in which a tractor-trailer went off Interstate 93 and plunged into the Winnipesaukee River. Police have since identified the driver as 48-year-old Benjamin A. Wilson of Granby, Vermont.
According to Tilton-Northfield Fire Chief Michael Sitar, emergency crews received a report around 1:45 a.m. about the incident, which occurred on I-93 southbound just past Exit 20. The bridge at that location crosses both railroad tracks and the Winnipesaukee River.
Investigators from New Hampshire State Police determined that Wilson had been driving south when he failed to properly navigate a curve in the roadway. The tractor-trailer broke through the center guardrail, crossed into the median, and went down an embankment. From there, it traveled over railroad tracks before coming to rest in the river.
When first responders arrived, they located Wilson inside the cab and confirmed he had died in the crash. No other occupants were found in the vehicle. The recovery process was challenging due to the truck’s unstable position in the water. Crews were able to remove Wilson later in the morning after securing the vehicle.
Officials reported that some diesel fuel leaked into the Winnipesaukee River as a result of the crash. To contain the spill and prevent it from flowing downstream, responders deployed booms and absorbent pads on the water’s surface.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions in the area. State police advised that the left lane of I-93 South near mile marker 57 remained closed, and motorists should expect delays while cleanup and recovery efforts continued.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. They are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant details. Trooper Conor Davis is the designated contact for tips and can be reached via email at Conor.K.Davis@dos.nh.gov.
The crash highlights the dangers of negotiating curves at highway speeds, particularly for large vehicles like tractor-trailers, which can be more difficult to control and stop. Investigators have not yet released information on factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or whether speed played a role beyond the driver’s apparent difficulty navigating the bend.
The environmental impact of the diesel spill is also being monitored. While officials took immediate containment measures, further cleanup and inspection of the riverbank and water quality may be necessary to ensure there is no lasting harm to the local ecosystem.
The loss of Wilson has left his community in Granby, Vermont, mourning. Friends, family, and colleagues in the trucking industry are remembering him while authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the fatal crash.
The investigation remains active, and state police emphasize the importance of public assistance in gathering information to better understand what happened in the early hours of that morning.
