By BEA LEWIS
Northern Lakes Region Bureau

MEREDITH — A Moultonboro couple suffered serious injuries when their car crashed into a utility pole on a rain-slicked roadway Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters work to remove the trapped motorists. The dog and two others were taken to the Humane Society, where they will be held until their owners can claim them. (Citizen Photo/Bea Lewis)

John Powers, 56, was heading east toward Moultonboro on Route 25 when he lost control of his 2000 Chrysler on a downhill curve near the intersection of Quarry Road.

The dark green four-door Sebring struck a utility pole in front of Pretty Petunias, crushing the driver’s side before spinning to end up facing in the same direction. The force of the impact sheared off the pole, although power in the area remained on.

Members of the Meredith Fire Department had to use hydraulic rescue tools to free Powers and his wife, Dottie, 60, of 26 Evergreen Drive, from the ruined car as heavy rain fell.

The couple’s three small dogs which were back seat passengers were uninjured in the crash, although shaken. A white poodle was thrown from the vehicle during the impact, but was rescued by a passing utility worker.

Police placed the trio of dogs in the back seat of a heated cruiser and later took them to the Humane Society, where they will be held until their owners are able to claim them.

Meanwhile, police report Mrs. Powers suffered a compound fracture to her lower leg. Initially taken by Stewart’s Ambulance to Lakes Region General Hospital, she was later transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Because the rainy weather grounded the DHART helicopter, Mrs. Powers was transferred by ambulance.

Mr. Powers also suffered a fractured leg and possible internal injuries. He was admitted for treatment at LRGH, according to Meredith Police Lt. Kevin Morrow.

Police said speed and road conditions played a factor in the crash that occurred on a stretch of highway that has a posted speed limit of 40 mph.

Sandwich Chief of Police Jeff Jaran, who was on his way home, was the first to arrive at the scene and helped direct traffic as rescuers worked to cut off the car’s doors and roof to remove the injured couple. The accident occurred about 2:30 p.m. and snarled traffic for about 45 minutes until the vehicle could be towed.

Bea Lewis can be reached by calling 524-3806 ext. 5969, or by e-mail at merbur@ncia.net.