CLAREMONT — A vehicle struck and injured multiple people in the parking lot of the Arrowhead Recreation Area late Tuesday evening, shortly after a fireworks display celebrating First Night had concluded.

Five patients, including the driver, were transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after the accident, which took place at about 10:15 p.m., Claremont Police Chief Brent Wilmot said Wednesday.

The extent of the injuries varied, Wilmot said, though none appeared to be life threatening. At least one person was airlifted to the hospital.

The names of the victims and the driver have not been released. Wilmot said the four injured pedestrians were adolescents. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

In speaking with witnesses, first responders learned that “immediately” after a vehicle struck another in the parking lot at Robert Easter Way at the Arrowhead Recreation facility, “the vehicle’s ignition was revved,” causing pedestrians to be pinned between the two vehicles involved in the crash, a Wednesday news release said.

The responders also learned “that the driver of the vehicle that caused the crash had been forcefully removed from the truck by witnesses shortly after striking the pedestrians,” according to the release. 

As part of the investigation, police “are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence and thoroughly documenting the crash scene,” Wilmot said in the release. “We are working diligently to determine if the crash was caused due to an underlying medical condition or some other factor, such as impairment or distraction.”

Those who witnessed the accident and may have information relevant to the investigation are asked to call Det. Sgt. Trevor Dickerman at 603-542-7010.