AUGUSTA — Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash that left a Mitsubishi Lancer split in two Thursday after it struck a tree on Townsend Road near the intersection with Glen Street, not far from an entrance to the Marketplace at Augusta.

Andrew P. Lufkin, 35, of Gardiner, and Andrew Peterson, 29, of Chelsea, were taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center with what were described as serious but not life-threatening injuries. By Friday, both men had been treated and released, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Sgt. Christian Behr said Friday that the eastbound vehicle hit a tree in the median and broke in two, leaving half in the eastbound lane and half in the westbound lane. Rescuers used the Jaws of Life tool to free the driver and passenger from the wreckage. The accident, reported at 6:06 p.m., closed the road for three hours.

Augusta police Sgt. Eric Lloyd said Thursday night that speed and alcohol appeared to be factors, not weather.

While no charges were filed as a result of the crash, police said late Friday that the crash remains under investigation.

An initial report of charges was incorrect, Behr said.