Tilton, NH — August 8, 2025, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 2:00 A.M. on Interstate 93.
According to reports, an 18-wheeler operated by Benjamin A. Willson, was traveling southbound on Interstate 93 near mile marker 57, when for unknown reasons the semi lost control as it approached a curve and drove through a guardrail, an embankment, and fell into the Winnipesaukee River.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found Willson fatally injured and pronounced him deceased. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and officials have not provided an update on the status of the investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
What’s not clear from the reports is why the 18-wheeler left the roadway in the first place. Losing control on a curve can happen for many reasons—mechanical failure, cargo shifting, driver fatigue, or even a sudden medical emergency—but without knowing more, it’s impossible to say which, if any, applied here.
Even when no other vehicles are involved, it’s still important to fully investigate. The truck’s engine control module (“black box”) can show its speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before it left the road. If the truck had in-cab cameras, they could reveal whether the driver was reacting to something on the road, dealing with a mechanical problem, or struggling to stay alert. Maintenance records could confirm whether the truck’s brakes, steering, or tires were in good condition.
Another piece worth examining is the cargo. If it was improperly secured, a load shift on a curve could have thrown the truck off balance. Company records might also shed light on the driver’s schedule—whether he had adequate rest or was under pressure to meet a tight delivery window. In my experience, it’s often a combination of small factors, rather than one obvious mistake, that explains how a crash like this happened.
Key Takeaways:
- The reports don’t yet explain why the truck lost control approaching the curve.
- Black box data, cameras, and maintenance records can help pinpoint the cause.
- Cargo securement and driver scheduling should be examined for possible contributing factors.
- Even single-vehicle truck crashes warrant a thorough investigation to determine all underlying causes.
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