UTV crash stock photo

MILFORD — The passenger on a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) sustained injuries that officials are describing as serious, but not life-threatening, when the vehicle rolled over in the woods off Mile Slip Road over the weekend.

Thomas Bemis, 33, suffered a laceration to his head and injuries to his arms and a shoulder, according to state Fish & Game conservation officer Shawn MacFadzen.

The driver, identified as Michael Derry, of Milford, lost control of the UTV while attempting to make a U-turn at a slow speed while driving over a rock and braking at the same time, MacFadzen said.

Derry, who apparently escaped injury, is credited with “immediately trying to stop the bleeding from Bemis’s head” while calling 911, MacFadzen added.

Bemis was initially transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, then flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston for further treatment.

MacFadzen said it was just before 5:30 p.m. Saturday when Fish & Game officials were notified by state police of a UTV crash involving injury. Conservation officers, along with Milford police, firefighters and EMS personnel, responded to the scene off Mile Slip Road.

MacFadzen said neither Derry nor Bemis were wearing helmets, but both were wearing seat belts.

He urged residents who ride UTVs and similar vehicles for recreational purposes to “wear all recommended safety equipment,” including seat belts and helmets, “and to be mindful of all potential hazards” and make sure “to operate vehicles within your own limits.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.