AUGUSTA — Four people were injured in a two-vehicle collision early Saturday that heavily damaged one of Augusta’s three rescue units, which had a patient aboard, and a sport utility vehicle.

The crash occurred at Riverside Drive and Route 3 at 8:48 a.m. as Rescue 3 was turning onto Route 3 from Bangor Street/Riverside Drive.

The other vehicle, which contained four people, was heading east on Route 3.

Augusta Fire Battalion Chief Scott Dunbar said the Rescue 3 had responded to a medical emergency and had lights and sirens on as it was bringing a patient to MaineGeneral Medical Center when the collision occurred.

“We had to have more ambulances come to the scene,” said Augusta Fire Chief Roger Audette. Dunbar said the man being transported did not suffer additional injuries and was taken to the hospital by another unit.

The firefighter/paramedics in Rescue 3 suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital to be checked out, as is protocol, and were released.

Two people from the SUV also were taken to the hospital. Dunbar said he understood they were treated and released.

Augusta Police Lt. Christopher Massey said the report on the crash remained incomplete as of Sunday afternoon.

“I believe both vehicles were destroyed. There was pretty significant impacts on both,” said Audette. “We’re thankful it wasn’t worse.”

Audette said he anticipated that the 2012 GMC ambulance labeled Rescue 3 would have to be replaced because of the extent of the damage.

The SUV is likely to be a total loss as well, Audette and Dunbar said.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams

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