An early morning crash on Saturday between an ambulance and a vehicle in Peoria has left one person with life-threatening injuries and two ambulance crew members with minor wounds. The violent collision occurred near 83rd and Northern Avenues, as first reported by ABC15. According to the local police, the accident did not involve any patients since the ambulance was not in service at the time of the incident.

The smash-up forced the shut down of the intersection for several hours, creating early morning traffic snarls. The area was cleared and reopened to the public just before 6 a.m., according to AZ Family. While the injured driver was rushed to the hospital, the specifics of what exactly precipitated the accident remain unconfirmed, and the investigation, continues.

As authorities probe into the possible causes of the crash, including whether speed or impairment were contributing factors, the community reflects on the safety of those tasked with saving lives. The ambulance crew's narrow escape from serious harm has prompted an outpouring of support and a reminder of the daily risks faced by first responders.

The Peoria Police Department has not yet released details about the involved parties or the sequence of events leading to the crash, and, their investigation is ongoing. Locals have been asked to provide any information that might illuminate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. "It's not clear what led up to the crash," Peoria police said in a statement obtained by ABC15.