By Terry Karkos,Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Four people survived a violent head-on collision Sunday morning on Route 2 in Rumford, police said.

Zahra Badaroudine, 26, of Fleurimont, Quebec, suffered two broken legs, knee damage and other injuries, and was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston after the 8:08 a.m. wreck, said investigating officer Douglas Maifeld.

Her passenger, Ghislain Groulx, 27, of Fleurimont, Quebec, was taken by Med-Care Ambulance to Rumford Hospital then to CMMC. Maifeld said Groulx suffered from head and chest injuries.

Both Badaroudine and Groulx were listed in satisfactory condition at the hospital Sunday night.

Ralph Hamel, 62, of Danvers, Mass., complained of pain in his legs and chest, while his wife, Faith Hamel, 57, complained of chest pain, Maifeld said.

“She was having a really difficult time breathing,” he said.

The Hamels were taken to Rumford Hospital by Med-Care, where Ralph Hamel was treated and released.

Maifeld said Badaroudine was driving a 2000 Hyundai Accent east on Route 2, while Ralph Hamel was headed west in a 2004 Toyota Camry.

About a mile from the Blue Iris Motor Inn, Badaroudine reached into the back seat to get a drink, and the Hyundai veered into the opposite lane, Maifeld said.

“She looked up and saw him coming at her. He tried to evade, but they were both correcting to the same way,” Maifeld said.

“Mr. Hamel said it seemed like his car was a magnet to her car,” he added.

At the last second, Badaroudine yanked the wheel and both cars collided in the westbound lane, Maifeld said.

“The Camry was totally crushed to almost the windshield, but the passenger compartment held out good. That car protected them very well,” he said.

He credited safety belt usage by all four with saving their lives.

“They are all lucky to be alive,” he said.

Traffic was rerouted around the area while Route 2 was shut down for an hour. Rumford firefighters and Rumford Patrolman Paul Casey assisted.

Adley’s and Dan’s Automotive of Rumford towed both totaled cars.