Two UNH students from Mass. injured in pedestrian crash

Two University of New Hampshire students from Massachusetts are recovering after they were struck by a vehicle in Durham, New Hampshire. 

A 2011 Nissan Rogue crossed the solid white line on the edge of Newmarket Road and struck the two students Saturday afternoon, police said. The 18-year-old victims, identified as Dante DiStefano of Waltham and Colton Rubbicco of Topsfield, were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital for “possible serious injuries.”

DiStefano and Rubbicco were walking with six additional people at the time of the crash. Police said the victims were assisted by civilians until EMS arrived.

The SUV’s driver, identified as 78-year-old Andy Bishop of Exeter, New Hampshire, as well as an unidentified passenger, were not injured in the crash. Both Bishop and his passenger remained on the scene and are cooperating with the investigation. 

Police said speed and impairment “do not appear to be factors” in the collision.

Durham police were assisted on scene by six other agencies, including state and university police.

Any witnesses with additional information are advised to call Durham Police Detective Sergeant John Lavoie or Detective Carrington Cazeau at 603-868-2324.