Fatal Crash on Route 12: Investigation Ongoing
Walpole, NH (MyKeeneNow) – Authorities have confirmed the identities of the individuals involved in a tragic accident on Route 12 Wednesday afternoon, which resulted in a fatality. The Walpole Police Department reported that emergency responders were alerted to the incident around 3:15 PM near Connector Road.
According to preliminary investigations, 22-year-old Dietrich Kern Praska from Marlborough was driving south in a 2006 Saab 9-3 when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a school bus from the Fall Mountain Regional School District. Praska was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bus driver, 65-year-old Marie Robbins of Alstead, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, although her exact condition remains undisclosed. At the time of the crash, two students were on board the bus; they were subsequently transported to Cheshire Medical Center and Springfield Hospital with minor injuries.
Responding to the scene were the New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit, along with local fire and emergency services from Walpole, Westmoreland, and several ambulance services. A portion of Route 12, spanning from Halls Crossing to Blackjack Crossing, was closed for several hours due to the incident but was reopened by 7:30 PM.
The investigation into the cause of the crash continues. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to reach out to Officer Jonah Merkle at the Walpole Police Department at 603-445-2058, or contact the 24-hour dispatch line at 603-355-2000.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing need for caution on the roads as investigations proceed.
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