BERTRAND TWP. — Authorities responded to a three-car crash that occurred at 10:07 a.m. Wednesday on US-12 near Mayflower Road in Bertrand Township, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

The accident occurred when a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, which was operated by a 24-year-old male from Niles, was traveling west-bound on US-12. The driver attempted to pass a west-bound 2012 trash-hauling truck, which was being operated by a 57-year-old male from Hanna, Indiana.

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire sideswiped the trash-hauling truck, causing the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire to cross the centerline and strike a 2013 Chevrolet, which was being operated by a female, and which was traveling east-bound on US-12.

The collision between the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and the 2013 Chevrolet was a head-on collision.

The 24-year-old male was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend Indiana for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The 57-year-old driver of the trash-hauling truck was not injured.

The female of the 2013 Chevrolet received minor injuries and was treated and released at a South Bend area clinic. Police said they are not yet releasing the identity of the female, until they have confirmation of her name, age and hometown.

A preliminary investigation at the scene indicates that alcohol may be a contributing factor, police said.

Further investigation into this traffic crash is being conducted by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office will forward its report to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for various charges against the 24-year-old driver of the Pontiac Sunfire.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Buchanan City Police Department, the Bertrand Township Fire Department, the Niles Township Fire Department, and SMCAS ambulance service.

Both the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and the 2013 Chevrolet sustained extensive damage, while the 2012 trash hauling truck sustained minor damage.