SUV Crashes into Creek, Injures Three

An SUV carrying three passengers crashed headfirst into a creek between and on Eastern Avenue Friday afternoon.

Police at the scene said the 2007 Toyota Highlander driven by an elderly man came from an access road that runs behind  just before 4 p.m.

All three passengers, including a 10-year-old child, were transported to the hospital for evaluation, and their injuries were not thought to be serious, said.

The driver didn't apply his brakes as he crossed over a busy Eastern Avenue, hopped a curb, dodged a telephone pole, cruised through a parking lot and drove over grass before crashing into the creek, according to police.

Witnesses on the scene dove into the shallow creek to pull the three passengers to safety.

Despite estimates of the SUV going at least 40 mph, the car's airbags didn't deploy.

Dedham officer Keith Kennedy said at the scene that all three were wearing seat belts.

Police were still attempting to figure out what led to the crash - a mechanical malfunction, a medical emergency or another cause, Kennedy said.

Stephen Walsh contributed to this report.