Three Car Crashes In Andover Within Seven Minutes

ANDOVER, MA — Three car crashes occurred in Andover in under ten minutes, Friday afternoon, resulting in four hospitalizations, the fire department announced. Two crashes were single vehicle crashes, while the other involved two cars. One person, 15-year-old girl, a was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The first and most serious crash was at 3:37 p.m., on Salem Street. Andover Fire found a 2015 Ford Mustang coupe had crashed into a utility, continued on, snapping the poll, and crashed into a stone wall. There were four teenage girls in the car.

One of the girls was unconscious when firefighters arrived, and they had to rescue another who was trapped in the car. All four were taken by ambulance to hospitals. The one who was unconscious, a 15-year-old, had a serious cut on her head; her injuries were considered serious. The other three's injuries are "not believed to be life-threatening."

Firefighters were called to a second crash 4 minutes later. A two-car crash was reported by 349 North Main St at 3:41 p.m. EMS evaluated four occupants, and all four decided not to go to the hospital.

Finally, at 3:44 p.m., a car hit a rock wall near the intersection of Greenwood Road and High Plain Road. Two occupants were evaluated, and again they decided not to go to the hospital.

Eight total EMS units were active, at the peak of activity, with mutual aid from Tewksbury, North Reading, North Andover, and Lawrence General Hospital Advanced Life Support.

"Andover Fire Rescue is a professional lifesaving organization, and while we train for simultaneous incidents occurring in our community, we are also fortunate to have tremendous mutual aid support from our neighboring and partner agencies," Chief Michael Mansfield said in a statement.

Salem Street was closed during investigation, and may close again so crews can replace the utility pole. National Grid is on the scene. Officials said power may be cut during replacement efforts; power went out

Salem Street was closed in both directions during the initial investigation, and the roadway may close again for utility pole replacement work. Fire officials said the power may be cut for replacement; around 5:45, the town manager said that power was out around downtown. National Grid repairs are forecast to be completed by 6:45.

The Andover Police Department is investigating the crashes.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.