New Hampshire

Police: Alcohol a Factor in Rochester Crash That Left 2 People Seriously Injured

Police say alcohol and speed were factors in the Rochester crash, noting criminal charges will be forthcoming

Two people were seriously injured in a single motor vehicle crash in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Around 6:51 p.m. Friday night, the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, Milton Ambulance and Frisbie EMS responded to 76 Betts Road for a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a residence. 

Another resident a short distance away had initially called to report she was nearly struck by the vehicle as she was checking her mail, according to the Rochester Public Safety Communications Center.

Neither Michael Gilfert, 57, of Rochester, nor his 58-year-old female passenger were wearing seat belts when Gilfert lost control of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am he was driving while traveling westbound on Betts Road.

Gilfert's car went off the roadway, striking a group of rocks and logs before going back onto the roadway. The vehicle then swerved into the eastbound lane, nearly striking the original caller before swerving back into the westbound lane where it left the roadway a second time, striking a road sign. The car re-entered the roadway again, crossed over the eastbound lane and left the road a third time, narrowly missing a utility pole. The vehicle then struck a boulder that was imbedded in the ground, which abruptly re-directed the car where it travelled across the lawn at 76 Betts Road. The vehicle finally came to a stop just short of a barn located on the property.

Both Gilfert and his passenger had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel.

Gilfert was found unconscious and unresponsive with head and other injuries. He was flown to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with serious injuries.

His passenger, who has not been identified, was awake and alert. She sustained multiple serious injuries and was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital where she was stabilized and then transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for additional treatment.

Police say that both alcohol and speed are factors in the crash. Authorities say criminal charges will be forthcoming.

The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 603-330-7128.

Contact Us