Tragic Loss: One Dead in Horrific Rindge Route 119 Crash

RINDGE, N.H. — A quiet stretch of Route 119 in Rindge became the scene of profound tragedy early Wednesday morning, as a devastating two-vehicle collision claimed one life and left another seriously injured. The New Hampshire State Police confirmed the fatal incident, which occurred just before 6 a.m., sending shockwaves through the local community.

Authorities have identified the deceased as 58-year-old Donald Smith of Rindge.

Smith was behind the wheel of a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck, traveling eastbound on Route 119 near the intersection with Thayer Road. According to investigators, Smith's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by 32-year-old Nicholas Williams of Gardner, Massachusetts, who was heading westbound.

The impact of the crash was catastrophic, immediately leading to the closure of Route 119 as emergency crews and investigators swarmed the area.

Donald Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, a somber testament to the force of the collision. Nicholas Williams sustained serious injuries and was promptly transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, for urgent medical attention.

The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit was quickly mobilized, taking charge of the painstaking investigation.

Their experts are meticulously examining the crash site, gathering evidence, and reconstructing the sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking outcome. At this early stage, authorities have not released any information regarding the potential causes of the crash, such as speed, impairment, or other contributing factors.

The focus remains on a thorough and impartial investigation.

Route 119 remained closed for several hours, with traffic being diverted as emergency personnel worked to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of the roadway. The closure caused significant disruptions for morning commuters, but the priority remained the investigation and the compassionate handling of the tragic scene.

State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information that could assist in their investigation to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Trooper Michael Buffi at Michael.C.Buffi@dos.nh.gov. As the community grieves the loss of Donald Smith and hopes for Nicholas Williams' recovery, the investigation continues, seeking to provide answers and understanding to this tragic morning on Route 119.