Groton — A 4-year-old girl was taken by Mystic River Ambulance to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital late Monday afternoon with critical injuries, following a two-car crash at the intersection of Packer Road and state Route 184, said Old Mystic Fire Chief Ken Richards.

She has since been transported by helicopter to Yale-New Haven Hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

The girl's mother and father, who were heading west in the vehicle with her, also were taken to the hospital by Groton Ambulance as a precaution. The driver of the other vehicle, which was traveling east, had no injuries and refused medical treatment, Richards said.

Groton Town Police Sgt. David Miner said the girl suffered heavy facial trauma. Miner said the cause of the accident, which occurred around 5:19 p.m., remains under investigation.

Groton Town Police, Old Mystic Fire Department, Mystic River Ambulance, Groton Ambulance and two L+M medics responded. Groton Town's accident reconstruction team, along with Ledyard police, worked to determine the mechanics of the accident, Miner said.

Route 184 was closed at Cow Hill Road in both directions until not long before midnight.

Police are asking witnesses to call them at (860) 441-6712.