Tanker Truck Rolls Over on I-95 On-Ramp in Portsmouth; Driver Injured

October 6, 2025

By: Scanner Alerts Media Group

A tanker truck rolled over on the on-ramp from the Portsmouth Traffic Circle to I-95 northbound Monday afternoon, sending the driver to a local hospital and closing the ramp for several hours during the response and cleanup.

At 3:39 p.m., State Troopers from the Troop A barracks responded to the rollover involving a 1993 Peterbilt 379 towing a 2019 tanker trailer carrying landfill leachate. The preliminary investigation determined the truck was entering I-95 north when the driver, identified as John Q. Turner, 71, of Readfield, Maine, failed to negotiate a curve, causing the truck and trailer to leave the left shoulder and overturn. Both units came to rest on their side to the left of the on-ramp, partially blocking it.

Turner was assisted from the cab and transported by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries. The on-ramp was closed for approximately five and a half hours while Troopers investigated and crews removed the vehicle and debris. About 75 gallons of a combination of motor oil, diesel fuel, and hydraulic oil spilled; the Portsmouth Fire Department and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services stabilized the spill. Before the truck was lifted upright, the tanker’s contents were pumped out and removed.

Members of Troop A were assisted by Troop G, the Portsmouth Police Department, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. As a result of the investigation, Turner was cited for negligent driving. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Bourque at Daniel.J.Bourque@dos.nh.gov.

Credit: New Hampshire State Police