PORTSMOUTH — A Hampstead woman faces multiple charges following a single-vehicle crash that injured four people and downed power lines Monday evening.
Mercedes Berroa Santana, 31, was charged with vehicular assault, reckless conduct, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and use of a mobile electronic device while driving after her Honda Civic struck a utility pole at Constitution Avenue and Banfield Road at 5:34 p.m., police said.
The collision caused live electrical and communication wires to fall on the vehicle, trapping its four occupants.
Portsmouth Fire Department crews extricated the passengers after Eversource deemed the scene safe.
All four occupants were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital.
One person is suspected of sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
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 at 8 a.m.
The Portsmouth Police Patrol Division is continuing to investigate.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Zach Brandt at 603-610-7465.
