ERVING — Three individuals were hospitalized after a collision between a Toyota Camry and a 2023 Mack Pinnacle truck where Route 2 meets Route 2A on Friday afternoon, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Betters.

Betters said the three people in the Camry suffered “varying degrees of injuries,” and one passenger was transported via ambulance to Athol Hospital. The Camry’s driver and other passenger were airlifted for treatment, though it is unclear at this time which hospital they were taken to.

First responders blocked off Route 2’s eastbound lane at approximately 2 p.m. as the Erving and Northfield Police departments, Massachusetts State Police, Erving and Athol Fire departments, and Northfield EMS worked on scene. The Camry sustained heavy damage and its airbags deployed. Tire marks and piles of debris could be seen scattered across the highway.

According to Recycle Works truck driver Paul Cowing, who was driving the Mack Pinnacle, the driver of the car abruptly merged onto Route 2 eastbound. Cowing’s truck hit the car from the driver’s side, sending it off the road.

Although he has worked as a truck driver since 1986, Cowing referred to Friday’s collision as the first serious one that he has been in.

“I locked up the brakes,” Cowing said, pointing to the skid marks on the road. “I hit them back in the intersection, and the car flew to where it’s at right now. ... They were in my lane, but it was like they never saw me. They pulled out right in front of me.”

Erving Police Officer Laura Gordon confirmed that the car’s driver was airlifted for treatment. She said she had been dispatched to Route 2 for a “major motor vehicle accident with entrapment.”

“I knew it was bad,” Cowing said. “I’ve seen enough of them to know that this was going to be bad.”

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State Police troopers declined to comment on the crash, noting that it is currently under investigation.

At 3:30 p.m., the state Department of Transportation issued an advisory announcing the closure of Route 2 eastbound at the intersection with Route 2A. According to MassDOT, the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours. Route 2 westbound remains open.

Traffic is being detoured via Route 2A eastbound through Orange. Then, traffic will turn right onto Route 122 southbound and will use Exit 70 to return to Route 2 eastbound.

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.