Driver Deceased Following Rollover Crash in Bethlehem, N.H.
BETHLEHEM, N.H. — A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when a Bethlehem man lost his life in a rollover crash on Interstate 93. The incident took place around 6:16 p.m. just south of Exit 40, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
Troopers from the New Hampshire State Police Troop F were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue with extensive damage indicative of a violent rollover crash. The vehicle had been traveling southbound on I-93 when it veered off the road for reasons still under investigation.
The Crash Details
According to the initial investigation, the Oldsmobile left the roadway and entered the median. In a horrifying sequence of events, the vehicle rolled over several times before coming to a stop on the northbound side of the median. Tragically, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Thomas Oakes, 26, from Bethlehem, was ejected from the car during the rollover. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Oakes was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Upon arrival, troopers were assisted by local law enforcement and emergency responders, including members of the Littleton Police Department, Littleton Fire Rescue, Bethlehem Fire Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. These agencies worked together to secure the scene, provide assistance, and begin the process of investigating the cause of the crash.
At this time, the cause of the crash remains unclear, and all aspects of the incident are still under active investigation. Authorities have not disclosed any further details regarding whether alcohol, speed, or other factors may have contributed to the crash.
A Community Mourns
The loss of Thomas Oakes has left the Bethlehem community in mourning. Oakes was known in the area, and his passing has deeply affected those who knew him. Friends, family, and neighbors are remembering him as a young man with a bright future ahead, tragically cut short by a sudden and devastating event.
This incident has also prompted renewed concerns about road safety, especially on I-93, a major interstate that sees significant traffic. While the investigation continues, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise on the road and the importance of driving attentively and cautiously.
Request for Information
As part of the ongoing investigation, the New Hampshire State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could aid in understanding the circumstances of the crash to come forward. If you were in the area at the time of the accident or have any knowledge of the events leading up to the crash, you are encouraged to contact Trooper Jacob Thomas at (603) 846-3333 or via email at Jacob.M.Thomas@dos.nh.gov.
The New Hampshire State Police continue to work diligently to determine what led to this tragic loss of life. They are committed to providing answers to the Oakes family and ensuring that all aspects of the crash are thoroughly examined.
Conclusion
This rollover crash serves as a tragic reminder of the unpredictability of the roads and the devastating consequences that can result from a single moment of lost control. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, the entire Bethlehem community is now left to grapple with the loss of one of their own.
Our thoughts are with the Oakes family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and we encourage anyone with relevant information to step forward to assist in the investigation.
As always, authorities will continue to keep the public updated as more details emerge regarding this tragic event.