Two people were hurt Thursday, with one suffering serious injuries, after a North Andover man crashed a car into a concrete barrier at a toll plaza in Hampton, New Hampshire.

According to investigators, Thomas Lynch, 78, lost control of a 2013 Nissan Altima as he approached the Hampton Toll Plaza on the northbound side of Interstate 95 just after 4 p.m.

A state police officer who responded to the crash discovered Lynch and an unidentified passenger both injured. The passenger was “determined to have serious injuries and was not alert,” state police said. 

The officer couldn’t open the car’s doors due to damage, so he broke the rear passenger side window to get inside the vehicle and assess the victims’ injuries, according to officials. Both occupants were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Police said Lynch suffered minor injuries. 

Investigators said it’s unclear what caused Lynch to lose control of the vehicle, but the accident is under investigation. 

Four northbound lanes near the plaza were closed as crews worked for two and a half hours to investigate the crash and clear the scene. Travel lanes reopened around 6:40 p.m.

ORANGE, NH — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of a Massachusetts hiker needing assistance on Mt. Cardigan in Orange on Friday.

The woman and a friend had summited the mountain and were descending the Clark Trail when she started feeling ill. Her illness and pain quickly worsened incapacitating her movement. Her hiking partner called 911 for assistance. Canaan Fire, Canaan Ambulance, Canaan Police, Grafton Fire, Enfield Fire, Lebanon Fire and a NH Fish and Game Conservation Officer all responded to assist the hiker. She was identified as Ellen Reedy, 66, of Arlington, MA.

Reedy and her hiking partner started their hike at approximately 9 a.m. from the AMC Hut in Alexandria. By noon, the pair had summited, eaten lunch, and headed down the mountain when Reedy started to feel pain.

The rescue crew reached Reedy’s location at 1:45 p.m. where they were able to stabilize her condition. With assistance, Reedy was able to walk herself to an awaiting rescue UTV. Reedy rode in the UTV, reaching the trailhead on Cardigan Mountain Road at approximately 3:50 p.m. Reedy was transported by Canaan Ambulance to Dartmouth Health for further evaluation and treatment.

Reedy and her partner were well prepared for their hike. For more information about preparing for your hike, see HikeSafe.com.