unscathed after the car they were travelling in struck a large bucket-loader.

Bermudians Dyke Lawrence and Jahma Charles, both 24, were passengers in a car driven by 20-year-old American Michelle Watson when it crashed into the loader while overtaking in the city of Waterville on the morning of October 6.

The news came in the following day's edition of Central Maine's Morning Sentinel newspaper which covers Waterville where Mr. Lawrence and Miss Charles are students at Thomas College.

The car struck the loaders bucket and its fender, hood, and windshield were crushed -- trapping Mr. Lawrence inside.

Firefighters were forced to use a hydraulic extrication tool -- known as the "jaws of life'' -- to cut the car's door posts and peel back its roof so they could free Mr. Lawrence.

He and Miss Watson were treated for injuries at a local hospital and later released while Miss Charles was treated at the scene.

Chris Blodgett, the city employee who was driving the big 1992 John Deere loader when the accident occurred, was not injured.

It is understood that he was turning left when Miss Watson tried to pass him on that side in the blue 1994 Ford Escort she was driving.

She has been issued a summons for unsafe passing which could bring a maximum fine of $92.

None of the Bermudians could be reached for comment yesterday.