Police and fire work the scene of a three-car accident on Tuesday, July 2. PHOTO CREDIT/BRYAN FAVREAU—

ATHOL—Two seperate crashes a half-mile apart were reported on Templeton Road Tuesday afternoon.

According to Athol Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Parker, a passenger vehicle crossed the traffic lanes, striking another vehicle. A third vehicle was unable to stop in time and collided with the other two, sustaining minor damage.

Parker said dispatch received the call at 5:12 p.m. and Athol Fire and Police responded. Two drivers involved in the accident and one passenger were transported to Athol Hospital.

Templeton Road was closed for approximately two hours while firefighters worked to clear the scene. The vehicle which crossed lanes was overturned over a guardrail, which slowed the process, according to Parker.

During the subsequent traffic caused by the accident, one passenger vehicle about a half-mile down the road attempted to turn around and was struck by an oncoming motorcyclist at 5:25 p.m. Athol Fire and the State Police responded to this accident as well. The motorcyclist was also transported to Athol Hospital, via Phillipston ambulance.

The driver struck by the motorcyclist was uninjured.