LEWISTON – A driver distracted by a dropped water bottle caused a car crash Saturday that sent at least two people to the hospital with minor injuries, police said.

Thomas H. Hamann, 17, was stopped to make a left turn on Route 196 near Bob’s Discount when his 1998 Chevy SUV was struck by a vehicle driven by Craig E. Young, 40, of Lewiston.

Young told police his water bottle slipped, drawing his eyes away from the road for a moment. When he glanced back, Hamann was too close to avoid. The vehicles collided.

Young’s 2000 Chevy pickup bounced off Hamann’s SUV and struck a third vehicle, a 1980 Chevrolet sedan driven by James Tierney, 66, of Auburn.

Police said at least two people at the scene were taken to Central Maine Medical Center with cuts and bruises.

Damage to Young’s vehicle was estimated at $15,000. Police estimated the damage to Hamann’s truck at $10,000, and to Tierney’s sedan, $500.