Crime & Safety

Middletown Woman Remains in Hospital After Car Crash

Portsmouth Rescue transported two by ambulance Tuesday evening after a head-on crash on West Main Road.

The following was upated Wednesday at 1:41 p.m. 

Two people were transported by ambulance Tuesday evening after a two-vehicle, head-on crash on West Main Road near the Valley Inn restaurant. 

Portsmouth Rescue crews and police were called to the head-on crash just after 5 p.m. The first 911 call was made at exactly 5 p.m. with a second call made four minutes later. 

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According to Portsmouth police, a 2006 Ford Focus, operated by David Carvalho, 51, of Middletown, was traveling southbound Tuesday evening just before 5 p.m. when it was struck head-on by a 2005 Hyundai Sonato. 

The Hyundai, operated by Christine Bettencourt, 48, of Middletown, was traveling northbound at the time, when the vehicle crossed the double-yellow lines and struck the Ford Focus. 

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Both Carvalho and Bettencourt sustained serious injuries, police said. They were both transported by ambulance to Newport Hospital and later to Rhode Island Hospital. 

As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Carvalho was listed in good medical condition at Rhode Island Hospital, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. 

Bettencourt, who is in the Intensive Care Unit, according to police, is listed in fair condition. 

Police say alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash. "No charges have been filed at this time due to the medical condition," said Lt. Brian Peters of the Portsmouth Police Department. 


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