LEWISTON – The unidentified driver of a van caused a three-vehicle pile-up on Russell Street Tuesday, sending two women to the hospital and tying up traffic into Auburn.

Police said the location and timing of the crash caused a jam that brought traffic to a halt for more than a half-hour along the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

“It was a major traffic backup,” said police Sgt. Jeff Parshall. “It was unbelievable.”

Two women were examined for possible injuries but none was considered life-threatening, police said.

It happened about 4:30 p.m. Police said a man driving a white van drove onto Russell Street from the Main Street ramp at the Lewiston end of the Vet’s Bridge.

Witnesses said the van pulled into traffic too quickly, causing other drivers to slam on their breaks and collide.

Vehicles driven by Carlton Banton, 52, of Litchfield, Tonya Foss, 20, of Palermo, and Amber Murphy, 18, of Lewiston, collided seconds after the van pulled on to Russell Street.

Foss and Murphy were taken to St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center where they were treated and released.

In the minutes following the crash, the phones at the communication center and the police station began to ring. Drivers passing through the area wanted to know what the delay was and when it was expected to be eased.

Police said the traffic snarl smoothed out before 5:30 p.m. They were still investigating the cause of the crash Tuesday night.

“We have no idea who the driver of that van is,” said police Lt. James Minkowsky. “That part is still under investigation.”