DURHAM

The occupants of two vehicles that collided in Durham Wednesday afternoon escaped major injury, though both drivers were transported to hospitals.

The crash was reported at 4:12 p.m. at the intersection of Runaround Pond Road, Rabbit Road and Hallowell Road which is also Route 9.

According to Sgt. Rielly Bryant with the Androscoggin County Sheriff ’s Office, Mackenzie Souza, 19, of Raymond was in a 2001 Ford Focus when she proceeded cross Route 9 toward Rabbit Road after stopping at an intersection at Runaround Pond Road.

However, Bryant said Souza did not see a Toyota Highlander driven by Mustafa Hussein, 32, of Portland, traveling on Route 9. Hussein had the right of way with no traffic signals or stop signs.

Bryant’s vehicle was struck by Hussein.

The Highlander hit the Focus’ driver’s side door. Responding firefighters had to extricate Souza, cutting the roof off the car to get her out. She was taken to Central Maine Medical Center with injuries that weren’t considered life threatening.

Hussein was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland with neck and back pain.

Both drivers were wearing safety belts, and air bags deployed.

Bryant said Hussein works for a transportation company and was driving a company vehicle with a client on board — a four-year old boy from Freeport. The boy was properly secured in a child safety seat. He was evaluated, treated and released at the scene by Durham Rescue.

Air bags and seat belts made a difference in this case, Bryant said.

The road had to be completely shut down temporarily. No charges were issued.

The intersection has been the site of several crashes, including a fatal collision between a pickup truck and dump truck in September that left two men dead after the pickup truck allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the junction.

dmoore@timesrecord.com

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