A two-car collision on Interstate 35 sent three people to the hospital with injuries and stopped northbound traffic for about an hour Tuesday night.

Story County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Gary Foster said the driver of a Mercury Grand Marquis was driving north in the slow lane of Interstate 35 when she tried to get over to the right lane. At that time, a semi was merging onto the highway from the entrance ramp off 13th Street. The driver of the Mercury didn’t think she would have time to merge because of another car in that lane and hit the brakes.

The Mercury swerved off into the median and then swerved back onto the highway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

“All of a sudden she appeared in front of him, and he hit her,” Foster said.

Foster did not release the names of the parties involved or comment on injuries the parties received. However, he said all parties involved in the accident, including the driver and passenger of the Mercury and the driver of the second car, a Chrysler LHS, were taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center with injuries.

Foster said the Story County Sheriff’s Office received the call at 7:40 p.m. The Nevada Fire Department and Mary Greeley Medical Center ambulances were also on the scene. Police closed the entrance ramp off 13th Street as they cleared the scene. Traffic along the interstate was stopped for approximately an hour.

Robert Barnard, Perry, was driving his semi north on Interstate 35 when he came upon the accident. He said he did not see the accident occur, but was only several minutes behind.

“I hate this,” Darnard said of witnessing accidents.” You know after 40 years you’d think you’d get used to this, but you never do.”