Two drivers injured in crash east of Bend

(Update: Correcting which road drivers were on)

Two drivers were taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash east of Bend Friday morning at the intersection of Bear Creek and Ward roads east of Bend, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies and Bend Fire Department medics were dispatched around 10:10 a.m. to the reported crash, sheriff’s Sgt. Troy Gotchy said.

An investigation determined that Ellen Mae Hayes, 74, of Bend, was driving a 2010 Subaru Forester heading west on Bear Creek Road and went through a stop sign, Gotchy said.

Jeff Freeman, 60, also of Bend, was heading north on Ward Road and slammed on his brakes as he saw the Subaru enter the intersection but was unable to avoid the car, striking it on the driver’s side doors.

Both drivers were taken to St. Charles Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Gotchy said the roof was cut away from Hayes’ car so she could be removed.

The intersection was closed for about an hour.

Gotchy said the crash is under investigation but that alcohol and speed are not considered factors in the crash.