By VINAYA SAKSENA

CENTRAL FALLS — A city official was seriously injured Wednesday morning after he was hit by a van driven by a local businessman and political adversary. The driver was also hospitalized, according to police.

Gene Noury, the city’s personnel director, was apparently struck by a Ford Windstar in the area of Summit Street, between City Hall and a Dunkin’ Donuts near the intersection of Broad Street. The driver of the van was identified as Hector Solis, a local business owner who ran unsuccessfully for City Council last year, and has had a history of disputes with Noury and other officials in the administration of Mayor Charles Moreau. The accident happened around 8:45 a.m., police said.
According to police, Cumberland Rescue assisted at the scene, taking Noury to Rhode Island Hospital. Noury reportedly suffered two broken legs and possible internal injuries. He was in serious condition Wednesday afternoon, according to the police statement.
Meanwhile, Solis, was taken to Miriam Hospital by Lincoln Rescue after complaining of chest pains. He was reported to be in stable condition, according to police.
Col. Joseph Moran, the city’s police chief, said the accident was under investigation and that State Police were providing assistance. Moran's preliminary assessment was that "the car went off the road. The guardrail there was damaged in the accident as well.”
According to Moran, Noury appeared to have been walking either to or from Dunkin’ Donuts when he was hit. Solis was heading east on Summit Street, heading toward Broad Street, the chief said.
Noury is the city’s personnel director, having previously been a member of the City Council and the former School Committee. He also spearheaded Moreau’s successful campaign for re-election last year against Edna Poulin, a political ally of Solis.
Solis, meanwhile, had made unsuccessful runs for office, including one against City Council President William Benson last year. He has also quarreled with Noury, Moreau and others he considered their political allies.
Solis  has said those quarrels may have influenced the city’s decision to shut down his business, Mufflers Unlimited, earlier this year -- after which he allegedly found part of his coin collection missing from the building. Last year, he complained that his campaign signs were being removed or defaced. In both cases, however, Solis declined to file a police complaint, explaining  that Moran was too closely tied to Moreau to help one of the mayor's outspoken critics.
Moran declined to comment on Wednesday’s accident.