By Erie365NewsWriter 
A serious Erie police cruiser crash early Friday morning left three people injured and caused significant damage to two vehicles and nearby property. The crash happened just after 7 a.m. at the intersection of West 11th and Sassafras streets in Erie.
Emergency crews were dispatched after receiving reports of a two-vehicle accident, with one of the cars hitting a nearby building. When first responders arrived, they discovered an Erie police cruiser with heavy damage to the front end and a red compact car with serious passenger-side damage.
According to local authorities, the Erie police cruiser crash happened as an officer was heading south on Sassafras Street. The officer was responding to an emergency call from a fellow officer and had both lights and sirens on. As the cruiser entered the intersection, it collided with the red compact vehicle. The impact caused the smaller car to veer off the road and come to a stop on the sidewalk along West 11th Street, wedged between a tree and a building.
The force of the Erie police cruiser crash raised concerns for everyone involved. The officer driving the cruiser, the driver of the compact car, and another individual at the scene were all transported to UPMC Hamot for treatment. Their injuries have not yet been publicly detailed.
Investigators are now reviewing how the Erie police cruiser crash unfolded, including whether visibility, road conditions, or the speed of the cruiser played a role in the accident. As of now, no updates have been given on the condition of those injured, and the area has since been cleared.
The Erie police cruiser crash is a reminder of the risks first responders face every day while trying to protect the community. Even with sirens and lights, intersections can become dangerous in a split second. Residents in the area expressed concern about the safety of that particular intersection and hope that the incident leads to better awareness and perhaps even traffic improvements.
The Erie police cruiser crash is still under investigation, and more details may become available as officials continue to gather information. For now, the community is wishing a speedy recovery for everyone involved and waiting for answers.