LAPEER COUNTY, Mich. -- The Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate a three-vehicle crash in North Branch that sent eight people to the hospital.

The crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of M-24 and North Branch Road.

Deputies said the two-stage traffic crash began when a pickup truck traveling southbound on M-24 attempted to turn east under a yellow traffic light.

A northbound vehicle entered the intersection at the same time and the two vehicles collided.

Moments later northbound van struck the car, injuring three people who were assisting in the original traffic crash.

A total of eight people were transported to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, some considered to have life-threatening injuries.

Deputies said alcohol does not appear to a factor in the crash.

The intersection was closed for three hours for rescue and investigative purposes.