NORTON - Three people escaped serious injury Tuesday morning when two cars collided at Reservoir Street and Alder Road, causing one car to catch fire and closing Reservoir Street for about 45 minutes.

Four occupants of the car that caught fire were outside the vehicle when Norton and Mansfield firefighters arrived, Fire Chief Richard Gomes said.

"Luckily, they were able to get out of the car," he said.

The injured, including an elderly woman who was alone in her vehicle, were taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Norton and Mansfield ambulances.

The accident occurred just before noon. Gomes said the fire was quickly contained to the engine compartment of the vehicle.

Both vehicles sustained front-end damage and had to be towed from the scene.

The cause of the accident was under investigation by police.

Firefighters also had to clean up a engine fluid spill, Gomes said.

A small amount of anti-freeze spilled into a nearby catch basin before firefighters busy with the injured could contain it, the fire chief said.

Traffic was backed up for several car lengths but many motorists simply turned around and drove off. Some waited for Reservoir Street to reopen.