PORTSMOUTH — A single-vehicle crash on Constitution Avenue left four people injured and the driver facing multiple charges, police said Tuesday.
The accident occurred at 5:34 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Banfield Road.
A silver Honda Civic collided with a utility pole, causing live electrical and communication wires to fall on the vehicle, trapping the four occupants inside.
After Eversource deemed the scene safe, Portsmouth Fire Department extricated the occupants.
All four were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, with one suspected of sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, identified as Mercedes Berroa Santana, 31, of Hampstead, N.H., was charged with vehicular assault, reckless conduct, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and use of a mobile electronic device while driving.
Police said speed and distracted driving appeared to be contributing factors in the crash.
Santana was summoned to appear at Portsmouth District Court on Sept. 9, 2024, at 8 a.m.
The Portsmouth Police Department reminded drivers to operate their vehicles safely and avoid distracted driving, emphasizing that cellphone use while driving is illegal and dangerous.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Zach Brandt at 603-610-7465.
