LOCAL

'Not again': Woman crashes SUV into North Hampton post office building

Max Sullivan
Portsmouth Herald

NORTH HAMPTON — A woman drove her SUV into the North Hampton post office Tuesday, marking the second time a driver has done so in four years.

Impairment is not believed to be a factor in the crash that occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m., according to North Hampton Police Chief Robert LaBarge.

LaBarge said no one was injured in the crash. 

North Hampton police say intoxication is not believed to be a factor in the crash Tuesday morning in which a Toyota Highlander was driven into the Route 1 post office.

The woman, he said, told police she did not remember how the crash occurred. LaBarge said police will look at “all aspects” of what occurred as part of the investigation. 

Police received a call at 10:27 a.m. with a report of the crash at 44 Lafayette Road, according to LaBarge. North Hampton police and fire arrived at the scene to find a Toyota Highlander, operated by a lone occupant, had collided with the post office building. The structure sustained significant damage, LaBarge said.

In September 2020, a Honda Accord was driven into the building, though it did not drive through the wall like the vehicle Tuesday.

None were injured when police say a Toyota Highlander was driven into the North Hampton Post Office. Police say they are investigating how the crash occurred.

The post office shares a plaza with several other businesses. 

Chris Tynan, owner of the craft beer store Prost, said the building “shook a little bit” when Tuesday's crash occurred. He said he and his staff walked outside and said, “not again.”

“I felt bad for the post office ladies,” Tynan said. “They’re just in there, and this is the second time.”

Damage seen from the inside of the North Hampton Post Office, where police say a woman crashed her car into the front of the building. No one was injured and the driver was not charged.

LaBarge said anyone with a post office box at the North Hampton location or anyone who needs to conduct business there, should call the office directly at 603-964-6257. He said they can provide further assistance, including alternative ways to access your mail.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked by LaBarge to contact officer Todd Whitcomb at 603-964-8831 or email at twhitcomb@northhampton-nh-pd.gov.