Crash shuts down section of busy road in Barrington

Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 7:37 GMT by WMUR
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The crash happened early Wednesday morning between Route 9 and Tolend Road.

Extensive Summary of Crash on Route 125 in Barrington, New Hampshire

A serious motor vehicle crash occurred on Route 125 in Barrington, New Hampshire, leading to the complete shutdown of a section of the roadway and prompting a significant emergency response from local authorities. The incident, which took place in the early evening hours, involved multiple vehicles and resulted in injuries to several individuals, highlighting ongoing concerns about traffic safety on this busy stretch of highway in Strafford County.

According to reports from the scene, the crash was reported around 5:30 p.m. on a weekday, when traffic volumes are typically high due to commuters returning home from work in nearby urban areas like Rochester or Dover. Route 125, also known as Calef Highway in this region, is a major north-south artery that connects several small towns in southeastern New Hampshire to larger routes like Route 16 and Interstate 95. It's a two-lane road in many sections, prone to accidents due to its mix of residential areas, commercial zones, and rural stretches where speed limits can reach 50 mph or more. The specific location of the crash was near the intersection with a side road, where visibility might have been compromised by factors such as fading daylight or weather conditions, though initial details did not specify rain or fog as contributing elements.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary police statements indicate that the collision involved at least two vehicles: a passenger car and a larger truck or SUV. The impact was described as head-on or T-bone style, suggesting that one vehicle may have crossed into oncoming traffic or failed to yield at an intersection. Debris from the wreck was scattered across the roadway, and one vehicle reportedly overturned, blocking both lanes. This not only halted traffic but also created a hazardous scene for first responders. Barrington Police Department, along with fire and rescue teams from Barrington and surrounding towns like Lee and Madbury, were dispatched promptly. State troopers from the New Hampshire State Police also assisted, given that Route 125 is a state-maintained highway.

The road closure extended for several miles, from the area near Beauty Hill Road southward toward the Rochester line, forcing detours onto local side streets like Scruton Pond Road or Route 9. Motorists were advised to avoid the area entirely, with traffic backups reported for over an hour as emergency crews worked to extricate victims and clear the scene. Local residents expressed frustration on social media, noting that such closures disrupt daily life in this semi-rural community, where alternative routes are limited and often winding.

In terms of injuries, at least three people were transported to nearby hospitals, including Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover and Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester. One individual was reported to be in critical condition, airlifted via medical helicopter to a trauma center in Portsmouth or even further to Boston for specialized care. Details on the exact nature of the injuries were not immediately released, respecting privacy concerns, but sources indicated possible head trauma, fractures, and internal injuries consistent with high-impact collisions. Tragically, there were unconfirmed reports of a fatality, though authorities had not officially confirmed this at the time of the initial reporting. Investigations were ongoing to determine the cause, with possibilities including distracted driving, speeding, impairment, or mechanical failure. No names of those involved were released pending notification of families.

This crash adds to a pattern of incidents on Route 125, which has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years. For context, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation has identified this corridor as one with higher-than-average crash rates, often due to its design—narrow shoulders, frequent intersections, and heavy truck traffic from nearby quarries and industrial sites. In 2023 alone, Strafford County reported over 200 motor vehicle accidents, with a notable portion occurring on state routes like 125. Local advocates have long called for improvements, such as widening lanes, installing traffic signals, or adding rumble strips to prevent drowsy driving. The Barrington Select Board has discussed these issues in town meetings, and there's been talk of petitioning the state for funding under federal highway safety programs.

From a broader perspective, this event underscores the challenges of rural road safety in New England. Barrington, a town of about 9,000 residents, relies heavily on Route 125 for commerce and connectivity, but its infrastructure hasn't kept pace with population growth. Commuters from Portsmouth or even Maine often use it as a shortcut, increasing volume. Weather in New Hampshire can exacerbate risks, with black ice in winter or deer crossings in fall, though this particular crash occurred in milder conditions.

Emergency officials emphasized the importance of seatbelt use and attentive driving. "This is a reminder that roads like Route 125 demand respect," a police spokesperson noted. "We're urging everyone to slow down and stay focused." Cleanup efforts involved towing services removing the damaged vehicles, and environmental teams checked for any fuel spills that could affect nearby wetlands or the Isinglass River, which runs parallel to parts of the route.

As the night progressed, updates from the scene indicated that the road might reopen by late evening, but full investigations could take days or weeks. The New Hampshire State Police's accident reconstruction team was expected to analyze skid marks, vehicle data, and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events. In the meantime, the community rallied with offers of support for those affected, including fundraisers if needed for medical expenses.

This incident not only disrupted immediate traffic but also sparked renewed discussions on preventive measures. Local schools in the Oyster River Cooperative School District, which serves Barrington, reminded parents of bus route changes due to the closure. Businesses along the route, such as convenience stores and auto shops, reported temporary dips in customers.

In summary, while the full details are still emerging, this crash on Route 125 serves as a stark illustration of the vulnerabilities in New Hampshire's transportation network. It highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, infrastructure upgrades, and community awareness to prevent future tragedies. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with more information expected as the investigation unfolds. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/crash-shuts-down-section-of-route-125-in-barrington/65674425 ]

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