Equipment operator hurt in downtown crash with car

Scene of Wednesday's accident on South Main Street in Rochester. (Rochester Police photo(

ROCHESTER - A worker using a "man-lift" in downtown Rochester was injured on Wednesday when the equipment was struck by a vehicle on South Main Street.

The incident occurred during the morning hours when the Genie hydraulic man-lift being operated by Timothy Marquis, 42, of Penacook, was working in the parking lot of the Rochester Public Library.

Police say it was reported that Marquis then made a left onto the side of South Main Street with the intent of crossing over the curb and sidewalk to perform work to the roof of the library, however, as the man-lift was crossing from the street to the sidewalk, the unit stalled, leaving the basket in the southbound travel lane.

It was then struck by a Toyota Prius driven by Richard Scholl, 62, of Rochester, traveling southbound.

Scholl attempted to avoid striking the basket of the man-lift, but the Prius impacted the basket with the passenger side hood and windshield, causing Marquis to sustain injuries. He was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital with unspecified but what were reported as nonlife-threatening injuries after being extricated from the basket by Rochester Fire Department personnel.

Scholl was not injured in the collision and was wearing his seat belt.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified was expected to investigate the accident as a workplace injury. The accident also remains under investigation by Rochester Police.

Anyone who has information is asked to call the Rochester Police Department at 330-7128. Tipsters can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.