Speed a ‘Likely Factor’ in Fatal Bedford Crash: NHSP

BEDFORD, NH — A Queen City man was killed on the southbound side of the Everett Turnpike in Bedford after reportedly striking a cement barrier, according to New Hampshire State Police. Zachary Mattson, 20, of Manchester, was driving a 2004 Saab when he struck and barrier and was killed, noted Lt. N.A. Noyes of the NHSP. Witnesses, he added in a press statement, said that the vehicle struck the entrance of the tollbooth and “rolled several times, ejecting (Mattson).”

State police were called to the crash scene at around 6:15 p.m. on April 30, 2017, after receiving multiple reports about the crash.

Three lanes of the turnpike were closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup, Noyes noted. NHSP were assisted by Bedford Fire and Rescue teams and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

“The preliminary investigation shows that speed was likely a contributing factor in the crash, however all aspects of the crash continue to be investigated by NH State Police Troop B,” Noyes stated.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Trooper E. Torrens at 603-223-3622 or email him at Eric.Torrens@dos.nh.gov.

According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, Mattson had previous driving charges. A week and four years ago, he was in Manchester District Court after being charged with following too closely with an accident resulting and driving after suspension. The report noted that he wasn’t allowed to plea to those charges because he was also being arraigned on felony drug dealing and alcohol possession charges, reportedly involving marijuana. In October 2015, Mattson was also arrested by Manchester Police for criminal trespass, according to an online police log.

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Credit: Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography. FrameofMindPhoto.com.