Fatal Head-On Dirt Bike Crash Kills Man In Canterbury

CANTERBURY, NH - A 20-year-old man was killed, and another 21-year-old was seriously injured following a head-on dirt bike collision Sunday afternoon, New Hampshire Fish and Game officials reported.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Sgt. Geoffrey Pushee said the victim and his riding partner were riding on separate dirt bikes in a field on their family’s property at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday. According to witnesses, the two riders were traveling in opposite directions, which caused their vehicles to collide head-on in the field. Two family members witnessed the accident and were able to quickly render first aid to the victims, and call 911 to start emergency personnel, Pushee said.

Canterbury Police and Fire Departments, Concord Fire Department, Loudon Fire and Rescue, Penacook Rescue, and NH Fish and Game conservation officers responded to the incident.

According to Pushee, life-saving measures were taken at the scene for both individuals. The 21 -year-old male was transported to Concord Hospital with serious life threatening injuries, and the 20-year old male was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Neither person has been identified at this time.

Pushee said the accident remains under investigation by Conservation officers but based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that the main cause of this accident was speed and inattention by both riders. Both riders were wearing protective gear including helmets and eye protection at the time of the accident.

"Unfortunately, is a tragic reminder for all riders to use due care and caution at all times when operating dirt bikes and OHRV’s.," Pushee said.