Three people were taken to the hospital this morning after an SUV barreled through the front door of the Carver Theatre.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service firefighter had to break in to the theatre at 1631 Fourth Ave. North to rescue two of the victims. None of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.

A witness said the Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling southbound on 17th Street when it collided with a Nissan Maxima traveling westbound on Fourth Avenue North. The force of the impact sent the Tahoe almost all of the way into the building's lobby. "Everybody was running over there to help," said Charles Smith. "I helped the people out (of the Altima). One of the ladies was real shaken up."

Those inside the SUV were able to get out of the vehicle on their own, fire officials said. However, firefighters had to break in to the theatre to get to them.

Two people from the Nissan were taken to the hospital, as was one person from the Tahoe.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell said he was one block away when he received word of the crash. He stood by as firefighters busted their way inside.

"I'm just always amazed at how our fire and rescue people go about rescuing people,'' Bell said. He said he was thankful the injuries weren't more serious. "We can always get new glass, brick and mortar."

April Odom, Bell's spokeswoman, said this evening that the City of Birmingham building inspectors examined the theater and said the damage is limited to the lobby area. The SUV damaged two storefront doors.

The Public Works Department shored up the door frame and header, and removed the debris until the permanent repairs are made. They also barricaded the entrance with plywood until the doors can be replaced, Odom said. No other areas of the building were affected.