Search leads to rescue of driver in I-89 crash, found a mile from scene, seriously injured

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State Police urge drivers to use extra caution due to hazardous road conditions.
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Scene of crash on I-89 in Enfield. The driver was found 10 hours later after State Police tracked him through the woods.

ENFIELD,  NH — State Police are investigating a serious rollover accident on Interstate 89 Friday night in which a diligent effort by Troopers led to the discovery of the driver 10 hours later, more than a mile away, seriously injured and suffering from hypothermia.

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Crash under investigation in Enfield, NH.

On Jan. 15 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Trooper Janell Smith of the New Hampshire State Police, Troop D Barracks, responded to a report of a 2003 Buick Rendezvous which had crashed on Interstate 89 southbound in Enfield. The driver was traveling southbound in the passing lane when he veered off the interstate and struck a section of guard rail.  The vehicle rolled over multiple times before it came to a final rest. Both the vehicle and guard rail sustained extensive damage.

When Trooper Smith arrived to the scene, the operator was unaccounted for. It was unknown if the operator left the scene with another person or was possibly ejected from the vehicle.  The operator was subsequently identified as, James Borneman, 49, of Springfield.

Trooper Smith continued to investigate by checking with local hospitals, family and friends, however there had been no contact with the Mr. Borneman. Based on this information Trooper Smith returned to the scene hours later with Sgt. Steinmetz to canvas the area again in an attempt to locate him.

Sgt. Steinmetz and Trooper Smith subsequently located footprints on a trail off of the travel lane that traversed down an embankment toward a fast moving brook.  The trail continued north parallel with the brook where they located blood. The trail went for approximately ¾ of mile where it ended.  Lebanon Police Officer, John Tracey, and his police dog were called in to assist with the search. The police dog tracked to the edge of the brook and it was soon discovered Mr. Borneman had crossed it. The water was approximately knee-high and moving swiftly, making crossing the brook directly too dangerous for the officers.

Trooper Smith and Officer Tracey were forced to walk around to the other side of the brook to pick up the track again.  The police dog successfully picked up the track, leading them up a hill for approximately half a mile where Mr. Borneman was located, lying on the ground in the fetal position, unconscious and suffering from hypothermia. This was at approximately 4:30 a.m., some 10 hours after the crash. Personnel from the Hanover Fire Department assisted by providing immediate medical care and by utilizing an extended ladder from a ladder truck to rescue Mr. Borneman.

He was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital by Lebanon ambulance for further medical treatment for serious injuries sustained as a result of the crash and exposure to the elements.

Assisting with the efforts of this investigation were the Lebanon Police Department and the Hanover Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is urged to contact Trooper Janell Smith, Troop D, at 603-271-1162.

State Police on Saturday morning issued a warning to motorists that they are seeing an increased number of vehicles off the road and crashes in northern parts of central New Hampshire and the Seacoast.

Road travel is anticipated to be the greatest hazard from this storm, say state police, who want to remind motorists to limit road travel for Saturday into the evening hours to allow Department of Transportation plows to clear and treat the roads.

State police ask that if you must be on the roadways, slow down and allow extra space between your vehicle and others on the road. Winter conditions call for different driving tactics:

  • When there is ice and snow, “take it slow” — slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.  Driving in a snowstorm is not the time to be driving while distracted.
  • When sharing the roads with a plow truck, don’t crowd the plow.  Don’t travel beside a plow truck for long periods of time.  A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted; you may see them, but they may not see you.
  • Before venturing out, please make sure you’ve cleared the snow off all of your vehicle’s windows and lights, to include your brake lights and turn signals.  And always buckle up.

Troopers see the fallout every day from unsafe driving practices, and urge drivers to stay off roads during storms. If  you must be driving, give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.


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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!