BANGOR, Maine — A two-vehicle crash in downtown Bangor slowed the Friday morning commute and sent one man to the hospital, according to officials.
The crash at the intersection of Main and Water streets occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m., according to Bangor Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Cyr.
Police and firefighters arrived to find a sedan in a fence and a minivan on its passenger side, according to Cyr.
Bangor police Lt. Bob Bishop said initial reports indicate the driver of the sedan, who was traveling toward Hampden on Main Street, ran a red light while the van’s driver was turning left from Middle Street to Main Street.
“They’re both very lucky,” said Bishop, who did not disclose the names of the drivers.
Firefighters were able to cut the windshield out of the van to free the female driver, who walked away from the wreckage and did not require a trip to the hospital, Cyr said.
The assistant fire chief said the driver was wearing her seat belt, which likely prevented serious injury. The male driver of the sedan also was responsive and alert, but he was taken by ambulance to Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Bishop said the driver of the sedan also was wearing his safety belt.
Given the high volume of foot traffic in the downtown area during the morning commute, Cyr said it was fortunate no serious injuries were reported.
Bishop said the crash disrupted the flow of traffic for about 40 minutes, but authorities were able to clean up the scene quickly.
The crash remains under investigation, Bishop said.
