Inattentive driver arrested after accident and rescue

PORTSMOUTH – The driver was arrested after four people were rescued from a car that crashed into a power pole on Constitution Avenue late Wednesday, causing the pole and live wires to fall on the car and trap the occupants.

Portsmouth Police said the driver, a 31-year-old Hampstead resident, was charged with using a mobile device while driving. Police are urging all drivers to avoid illegal and dangerous distractions.

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., police and firefighters were dispatched to the area of ​​Constitution Avenue at Banfield Road. A silver Honda Civic had crashed into the utility pole and knocked it down, police said.

After Eversource crews deemed it safe, rescue crews safely extricated the passengers, police said. All four occupants were taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, with one passenger suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.