Responders are shown on the scene of a four-car accident that backed up traffic in the eastbound lane of U.S. 41 in Ishpeming near North Iron Church and the Ishpeming Armory on Thursday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Rusty Bowers)

ISHPEMING — Three people were injured and taken to the hospital as a result of a three-car crash near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Malton Road at the Ishpeming/Negaunee border on Thursday.

According to Ishpeming Police Chief Steve Snowaert, two passenger cars and a truck were involved in the crash, which took place at around 12:35 p.m.

A fourth vehicle was damaged by debris from the accident, he said.

Three occupants of the two smaller vehicles were transported to UP Health System – Marquette. Their conditions are unknown, police said Thursday.

The occupants of the truck and the fourth vehicle were uninjured, Snowaert said.

Traffic was reduced to two lanes until about 3 p.m. as a result of the crash. The Michigan State Police crash reconstruction unit was on the scene to assist, he said. Snowaert is asking anyone who may have seen the crash to contact the IPD at 906-486-4416.

“We are still gathering information,” Snowaert said. “So from our standpoint, if anyone witnessed the accident, we would like to hear from them.”

IPD was assisted at the scene by the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, the Negaunee Police Department, the Negaunee Fire Department, the Ishpeming Fire Department, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.