Two-car crash in Wakefield leaves one dead, another seriously injured

WAKEFIELD -- A two-vehicle collision early Saturday morning on Route 16 near Wontons Restaurant resulted in one fatality and another person seriously injured, according to Wakefield Police. At about 7:30 a.m., Wakefield Police and Fire Departments responded to the crash involving a gray Nissan Xterra and a black Cadillac Escalade, both with significant damage on the southbound side of Route 16. The driver of the Escalade was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by fire personnel.

The Escalade's driver was transported to Wentworth Douglass Hospital by Wakefield EMS and later passed away at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. The driver of the Xterra was taken to Concord Hospital by Action Ambulance and is reported to be in serious condition. The severity of the crash and poor road conditions led to Route 16 being closed for an extended time as emergency crews worked at the scene.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and the names of the individuals involved have not been released.

Wakefield Police Chief Michael Fenton expressed gratitude to Wakefield Fire Department, Ossipee Corner Fire Department, Action Ambulance, Carroll County Dispatch, Crowell's Towing, and New Hampshire DOT for their response and assistance at the crash site.