Two people were seriously injured Wednesday after a vehicle struck them at Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, sending both to area hospitals, police said.
The crash happened around noon in the parking area of the orchard at 133 Exeter Road. Hampton Falls police and fire crews responded to the scene and provided medical treatment before the injured victims were taken to local hospitals.
The two victims were identified in later reporting as women. Police have not released their names or provided a detailed update on their medical conditions.
Investigators have not yet said what caused the vehicle to hit the pedestrians. The driver remained at the scene following the crash, has been identified by investigators and is cooperating with police. Authorities said the incident is not currently considered suspicious.
A witness who was nearby described seeing the vehicle in the parking area shortly before the collision. The witness said the vehicle appeared to begin backing up before suddenly accelerating, jumping a curb and striking the two women. The vehicle then hit other parked cars, according to the witness’s account.
Police have not confirmed that account as the official cause of the crash and have not said whether a mechanical problem, driver error or another factor contributed to the collision.
Several vehicles were damaged in the parking lot following the crash. A white SUV with significant front-end damage and a white sedan with rear-end damage were towed from the property. Video from the scene also showed apparent damage near the farmstand.
The driver did not leave the scene, and police said there is currently nothing suspicious about the circumstances. Investigators have not announced whether charges will be filed.
Hampton Falls police are continuing to determine exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision. Officials have not released information about the driver’s name, the victims’ ages or the hospitals where they were treated.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Hampton Falls Police Lt. Justin Ranauro.
Applecrest Farm Orchards is a longtime agricultural destination on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. The farm, located roughly 45 miles north of Boston, has operated in Hampton Falls since 1913 and includes an orchard, farmstand and other agricultural businesses.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the victims’ conditions or the circumstances of the crash could be released as authorities continue their review.
