Bow, NH — March 15, 2025, a man was killed in a dump truck accident at approximately 11:30 a.m. along Branch Londonderry Turnpike West.

According to authorities, the accident took place at a residence on the Branch Londonderry Turnpike West.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an incident took place in which a 35-year-old man became pinned beneath the dump body of the truck. The victim suffered reportedly fatal injuries due to the accident and was declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this accident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a person is fatally pinned beneath the dump body of a truck, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, incidents like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What caused the dump body to lower or shift? Dump trucks have hydraulic systems designed to lift and lower the dump bed safely. Investigators need to determine whether a mechanical failure, user error, or an external factor led to the victim becoming pinned. Reviewing maintenance records, hydraulic system inspections, and witness statements could provide insight.

Was the truck being serviced or in operation at the time? If the dump truck was undergoing maintenance, proper safety procedures—such as using locking mechanisms to secure the raised bed—should have been followed. If the truck was in operation, investigators need to determine whether the driver or another party inadvertently activated the system. Examining work logs, company safety protocols, and any available surveillance footage could clarify the circumstances.

Did mechanical failure play a role? Hydraulic malfunctions, faulty safety latches, or unexpected system failures could have caused the dump body to fall. Investigators should review maintenance logs, manufacturer recalls, and past service reports to determine whether equipment failure contributed to the incident.

Did an employer or company policy contribute? If this incident occurred on a job site or during work-related activity, investigators need to assess whether proper training and safety measures were in place. Employers are responsible for ensuring workers are trained on equipment safety, and any failure to enforce best practices could be relevant. Reviewing company policies, training records, and prior safety violations could help determine whether broader issues played a role.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the incident get the clarity they deserve.