A late-afternoon, three-car accident blocked traffic on Lincoln Way and sent at least one person to the hospital Monday.

According to the Ames Police Department, the accident took place at 4:14 p.m. on the corner of Lincoln Way and Sheldon Avenue. One vehicle, a white Chevrolet Malibu, was towed from the scene.

Onlookers said the accident occurred when a Triple A Security van traveling west on Lincoln Way collided with the Malibu, which was attempting a left turn from Lincoln Way onto Sheldon Avenue. The van pushed the car into a truck from J & A Trucking.

Shahzad Ajanee, junior in management information systems at Iowa State, said he heard the accident while he was working at Kwik Shop, 2700 Lincoln Way. He said both vehicles appeared to be “trying to make the yellow light” when they collided.

Lt. Michael Makelbust of the Ames Fire Department said the Malibu was carrying a husband, wife and two children. The children were removed from the car immediately, and the man emerged without assistance, Makelbust said.

Paramedics removed the woman from the car and carried her away on a stretcher. However, Makelbust said she was alert and talking.

The family’s names and conditions have not been released. An accident report had not yet been filed at press time.