Exeter Man Dies After Fiery Kingston Crash

KINGSTON, NH – An Exeter man lost his life this morning after a single vehicle crash and fire on Exeter Road in Kingston, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Paul Francis, 90, was driving a 2005 Ford Focus at just before 10 a.m. on July 17, 2016, when he lost control of his vehicle while traveling west on Exeter Road.

“For reasons that are still under investigation, the vehicle went off the left side of the roadway, struck several trees, and rolled over,” according to Sgt. Keith Walker of Troop A of the NHSP. “The vehicle then caught fire. Witnesses to this accident were able to remove Francis from the vehicle before it was consumed by fire.”

Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the accident however, “all aspects are being investigated,” according to Walker, including Francis possibly not wearing a seatbelt.

After being pulled from the vehicle, he was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital where he later passed away due to injuries sustained in the vehicle.

Exeter Road was closed near Willow Road for approximately 90 minutes during the investigation, according to Walker.

Assisting the New Hampshire State Police at the scene were the Kingston Police Department, the East Kingston Police Department, the Brentwood Police Department, and the Kingston Fire Department.

Anyone with information pertaining to this accident is asked to contact Trooper Walters, NH State Police-Troop A at 603-223-8490.