Jaffrey Man Dies in Marlborough Route 12 Head-On Collision

Route 12 was shut down for about five and a half hours while investigators examined the scene.

A Wednesday morning crash on Route 12 in Marlborough claimed the life of an 80-year-old Jaffrey man and set both vehicles on fire, according to New Hampshire State Police.

Authorities said Donald C. Garfield was the driver who died at the scene. Troopers were sent to the area near Webb Depot Road shortly before 10:20 a.m. after reports of a serious two-vehicle wreck.

Investigators said the collision involved a 2019 Ram ProMaster van and a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The early findings indicate the Nissan was headed south when it drifted into the northbound lane. The Ram’s driver tried to move left to avoid impact, and the Nissan driver also attempted to regain control, but the vehicles struck each other head-on.

The crash quickly ignited both vehicles. Officers from the Troy and Swanzey police departments were among the first to reach the scene and used fire extinguishers to help knock down the flames. People nearby also assisted by bringing more extinguishers to the roadway.

A passerby helped the Ram van’s driver, Jose Manuel Camacho Quintana, 33, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, get out of the vehicle. Multiple local agencies responded, including police and fire departments from Marlborough, Swanzey, Troy, and Keene, along with Cheshire County EMS, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, and the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit.

Route 12 was shut down for about five and a half hours while investigators examined the scene and crews removed debris and damaged vehicles. State Police said the investigation is still active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Paul Bergeron at 603-223-3879 or Paul.J.Bergeron@dos.nh.gov.