HAMPTON, NH – One person died in a fiery single-vehicle crash at the Hampton Toll Plaza Saturday.
State police, Hampton Fire Rescue, and police responded to the report of a rollover crash in the area of Interstate 95 South in the toll plaza at 5:41 p.m.
Upon arrival, Troopers found the involved vehicle on fire, and the sole occupant was unconscious and trapped within the vehicle. With the help of multiple good Samaritans, Troopers used several fire extinguishers in an effort to quell the fire, according to state police.
Firefighters from Hampton Fire and North Hampton Fire arrived and quickly extinguished the fire.
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The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2013 Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by Nicholas D. Killinger, 44, of Wilbraham, MA, had been traveling along I-95 southbound within the cash toll collection area. State police say for reasons that remain under investigation, Killinger lost control of the pickup truck, resulting in the pickup striking a concrete traffic barrier in front of the toll booth located in the fifth lane of the toll plaza.
After the initial impact, the pickup truck rotated before overturning and coming to rest on the driver’s side a short distance south of the toll booth. Killinger, the sole occupant of the pickup truck, ultimately succumbed to injuries at the scene of the crash.
While Troopers investigated at the scene and emergency personnel worked to facilitate the removal of the involved pickup truck and associated debris, all southbound lanes of the cash area were closed for approximately two hours; however, the open road toll lanes remained operational. State police were assisted at the scene by the NH Department of Transportation.
All travel lanes were reopened at 7:55 p.m. after Dana’s Towing & Repair removed the vehicle.
All aspects of the crash remain under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper John Harris atJohn.M.Harris@DOS.NH.GOV.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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