Exeter ATV Rollover Sends Juvenile To Hospital With Serious Injuries

EXETER, NH — A boy was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital after an ATV rollover on private property in Exeter Saturday, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Fish and Game said it received a call from New Hampshire State Police Dispatch just after 2:45 p.m. about the crash. According to Fish and Game, the juvenile was operating an ATV at his residence without supervision when he collided with a small tree, lost control of the machine, and rolled the ATV onto its side.

The operator was able to call two friends, who arrived at the scene, helped right the ATV and tried to move him, according to Fish and Game. The three then realized more help was needed when the extent of the operator's injuries became apparent. The operator's father was called, and Exeter police and fire and rescue arrived and carried the boy out of a wooded area of the yard to an awaiting ambulance, according to Fish and Game. A conservation officer arrived shortly afterward, the agency said.

The boy was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The agency said he was not wearing a helmet or other safety equipment at the time of the crash.

An on-scene investigation suggests reckless driving likely caused the crash, according to Fish and Game. The incident happened on private property, and the release did not identify the juvenile.

New Hampshire Fish and Game also used the incident to remind riders to use caution when operating OHRVs and to wear safety equipment, including helmets and eye protection. The agency directed the public to its website for more information on safe OHRV operation.