Rochester man reported in critical condition after Betts Road crash

The accident ended with the car just short of slamming into a barn. (Rochester Police photo)

PORTSMOUTH - The Rochester man injured in a bizarre Betts Road crash over the weekend was listed in critical condition today at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, according to a spokesperson.

Alcohol and speed were said to be factors in the accident in which a car went out of control swerving back and forth across the road several times before crashing into a boulder and coming to rest near a barn.

According to police reports, a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by Michael Gilfert, 57, of Rochester, lost control while traveling westbound near 76 Betts Road around 6:50 p.m. Friday evening.

Police said Gilfert went off the north edge of the roadway and struck a group of rocks before re-entering the roadway, swerving into the eastbound lane and nearly striking a pedestrian.

The car then swerved back into the westbound lane where it left the roadway a second time, striking a road sign before re-entering the roadway again. Police said the Pontiac then crossed over the eastbound lane, left the road a third time narrowly missing a utility pole before striking a boulder that was embedded in the ground. That impact forced the vehicle northerly where it traveled across the lawn at 76 Betts Road and came to rest just short of the barn located on the property.

First responders found that neither Gilfert nor his 58-year-old female passenger were wearing seat belts. Gilfert was unconscious and unresponsive with head and other injuries. His passenger was awake and alert but had sustained multiple serious injuries.

Both occupants had to be extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel.

Gilfert was flown to the Portsmouth Regional Hospital with serious injuries. His passenger was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital where she was stabilized and transported to the Portsmouth Regional Hospital for further care.

Both alcohol and speed are factors in this crash, police say.

The incident remains under investigation and criminal charges will be forthcoming, according to police. Anyone with any further information regarding the crash is accident is asked to contact either Ofc. Brinkman or Ofc. Turgeon at 330-7128.