MISHAWAKA — A busy intersection was shut down Tuesday after a serious accident sent two people to the hospital. Seven cars were involved in the accident that shut down Hickory and Edison roads.

It happened around 10 a.m., and police believe a driver’s medical condition may be to blame.

"The noise from it was indescribable,” said Sonny Camparone, who witnessed the crash. “I could hear every bit of it where the cars were hitting together like bumper cars."

“I just saw the parts flying,” added Javier Jimenez.

Police say the female driver of a Volkswagen Passat, identified as 53-year-old Judith Traynor of South Bend, was northbound on Hickory when she sideswiped a minivan near Catalpa Drive.

The Volkswagen continued at an excessive rate of speed — witnesses estimate she was going 85-90 mph — and rear-ended another vehicle in a line of three that were stopped at the light at Hickory and Edison roads.

The Volkswagen careened off and hit an Audi that was turning left onto Hickory from Edison and then another car that was stopped at the light.

Witnesses say the impact sent one of the vehicles — an SUV — flying through the air.

“It looked as though it was a wreck that would take place on the interstate or at a high speed road; not something that would take place at the corner of Hickory and Edison,” said Jeff Heeter in the aftermath.

“It was hectic, it was crazy,” Jimenez said.

Witnesses stood by helplessly.

“Everybody kind of ran out here to see what they could do,” Camparone explained. “They just kind of stopped dead in their tracks when they saw how bad it was.”

“We couldn't really do anything but sit there and wait for help to come,” said Jimenez.

City workers and volunteers worked for hours re-routing traffic around the crash through the movie theater parking lot and other local businesses.

Some of the drivers involved in the crash walked away, but others weren’t so lucky.

“I think the biggest concern was the lady that caused the accident,” Heeter said.

“She was kind of slumped over the steering wheel,” Camparone added.

Traynor is believed to have suffered a heart attack or other medical condition that led to the crash. She remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Robert Schramm, 36, of South Bend was driving the vehicle that was rear-ended at the intersection of Hickory and Edison. He received life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

No other serious injuries were reported.

The Fatal Alcohol Crash Team is investigating.