Several people fled the scene, four were transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries, and traffic was backed up for over a mile in South Portland after a wild two car collision.

According to firefighters on the scene, the Honda sedan was likely traveling at speeds in excess of 90 m.p.h. as it exited the off ramp from I-295 onto Westbrook Street.

Unable to negotiate the turn, the vehicle went airborne over a median and flew over the hood of an oncoming Jeep sport utility vehicle.

Police presence was heavy at the scene after it was reported that several of the people riding in the Honda had fled following the crash. At least a few of them returned though, seeking medical treatment, and were transported to the hospital.

The reason that they fled is unclear.

The Jeep sustained significant front end damage, but the result would have been much worse if the Honda had been just a bit closer to the ground.

According to one firefighter at the scene, “if the sedan hadn’t cleared the Jeep, we might have needed body bags. As bad as this is, the people involved were very fortunate.”