By Donna M. Perry,Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – Three people were taken to the hospital Thursday after a two-vehicle collision on Routes 2 and 4 in Farmington.

Farmington police Sgt. Shane Cote said Rena Deschenes, 42, of Farmington, had stopped in the eastbound lane just before noon, waiting to turn left into WorkFirst Inc., where she worked A truck driven by Carol James, 58, of Strong, struck the rear of Deschenes’ vehicle.

James said she saw that Deschenes was stopped, and slid sideways when she put on her brakes, Cote said.

The rear passenger’s side of James’ pickup truck struck the back of Deschenes’ vehicle, Cote said. The right rear wheel of the truck was bent in the accident, he said.

James’ truck ended up in a snowbank, he said, on the opposite side of the road.

Both Deschenes and James complained of pain and were taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.

Deschenes’ passenger, Dennis Davey, 56, of Farmington, was unable to communicate whether he was in pain, Cote said, and was also taken to the hospital as a precaution.

All three were wearing seat belts, Cote said.

Farmington firefighters and LifeStar ambulance crews assisted at the scene.

Cote estimated $1,000 damage to James’ 1990 Dodge and $3,000 to Deschenes’ 2003 Ford.