Bow Motorcyclist Crashes After Merrimack Woman's Mattress Falls Off SUV

CANDIA, NH — A mattress insecurely fastened to a vehicle caused a local motorcyclist to lose control of her Harley-Davidson on Route 101 in Candia this afternoon, according to New Hampshire State Police. Troopers were sent to Exit 3 Westbound for a report of a crash at around 12:30 p.m. on May 18, 2017, according to Sgt. Keith Walker of Troop A.

“(The) preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Chevy Traverse, being driven by (a woman) 60, of Merrimack, was traveling west on Route 101 in the town of Candia when a mattress that was secured to her vehicle fell off,” Walker stated. “Moments later, a 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle, being driven by (a woman) 55, of Bow, struck the mattress in the roadway, causing her to lose control of the motorcycle and crash.”

The Merrimack woman was reportedly initially unaware that the mattress had fallen off her vehicle but reported this incident a short time later, Walker noted. The Bow woman was transported to Eliot Hospital in Manchester with non-life threatening injuries, according to the report.

“All aspects of this accident are under investigation,” Walker stated, “however, it appears the cause of this accident was an improperly secured load on the part of (the Merrimack woman).”

Both travel lanes were closed for a short period of time with the right travel lane remaining closed for about 30 minutes for debris removal and investigation. The New Hampshire State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Candia Police Department and the Candia Fire Department.

This accident remains under investigation by Trooper Christopher Houston. Anyone with information pertaining to this accident is asked to call Trooper Houston/NH State Police/Troop A at 603-223-8490.

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