WESTBROOK — A three-vehicle crash involving a Metro bus injured the bus driver and closed a major intersection for nearly three hours this morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:06 a.m. at the intersection of William Clarke Drive and Mechanic Street when a vehicle traveling eastbound on William Clarke Drive failed to stop for a red light, according to the Westbrook Police Department.
The vehicle traveled through the intersection and was struck by a Metro bus that had a green light while traveling through the intersection from Mechanic Street.
The collision sent the eastbound vehicle into another vehicle that was stopped at the red light on westbound William Clarke Drive.
A police officer on westbound William Clarke Drive witnessed the crash and escaped being hit by the eastbound vehicle by a matter of feet.
The officer immediately requested additional police units and fire rescue units, leading to a quick response by Westbrook Public Safety.
The bus driver sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital.
There were no passengers on the bus at the time of the crash.
The stationary vehicle on William Clarke Drive had three occupants.
The two front seat occupants received minor injuries but did not require transport to the hospital.
A child in the back seat was not injured.
The operator of the eastbound vehicle suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.
A dog in that vehicle suffered an apparent serious injury and a police officer rushed the animal to an emergency animal hospital for treatment.
William Clarke Drive was closed for the investigation and cleanup.
The Westbrook Police Department’s crash reconstructionist responded to investigate.
Police will consult with the District Attorney’s Office on potential criminal charges once the investigation is complete.
