‘They are little kids’: Two children in critical condition after being struck by car in NH

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Police blocked off several roadways on Thursday afternoon after two children were struck by a car.

Manchester police say that around 4 PM, they initially dispatched to the area of Lake Avenue and Belmont Street to reports of gunfire. Moments later, they learned that it was a motor vehicle crash.

The two juvenile victims were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.

Steven Cole told Boston 25 News he had just left his house with five children to head to a nearby park.

That’s when he says a driver came barreling down the street at a high rate of speed and struck the two children.

According to Cole, both are in critical condition.

“I saw him flying,” said Cole. “I tried to pull my kid. The guy bounced on the side and came straight toward me and the kids. He hit my daughter and my little one.”

Cole said his 11-month-old daughter was in a stroller when the impact happened.

He told Boston 25 News that the baby was flown to Boston Children’s Hospital.

“I’d like justice to be done because they are little kids. It’s so crazy,” he said.

The devastated father said the driver didn’t stop for a moment to see if the kids were okay.

Several neighbors rushed outside to help and were faced with a heartbreaking scene.

“I heard him yelling through the window, so I ran downstairs, and I checked on the little girl, and there was so much blood,” said witness Bonnie Perkins. “I told her not to move and help is on the way.”

Police said the driver crashed into a pole less than a half mile away on Hanover and Belmont streets.

Officers swarmed the scene and took a person of interest into custody.

“We finally have a nice day, and kids are out riding bikes and being kids. To think something could happen to a kid being innocent, it’s pretty scary,” said neighbor Faith Courtney.

Police said another driver was hurt in the crash at the second scene and is expected to be okay.

Investigators said speed was undoubtedly a factor, but remain under investigation.

The man was taken into custody for felony level Driving While Intoxicated. He has not yet been publicly identified by authorities.

Belmont at Hanover and Belmont from Lake Avenue to Spruce Street are closed to traffic.

All motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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