Eight injured in two-vehicle collision

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Weather is considered to be a contributing factor in a two-vehicle collision on the Centerline Road on Saturday, August 25, that sent eight people to the hospital.     The Presque Isle Police Department received a call at approximately 8:12 p.m. reporting a two-vehicle collision with multiple injuries on the Centerline Road.
“George Wipperman, 64, of Easton, was traveling south on the Centerline Road in a 1993 Mercury four-door sedan. Albert Nadeau, 29, of Presque Isle, was traveling north in a 2003 Chrysler van. Wipperman’s vehicle veered into the path of the Nadeau van,” said Officer Roger Ellis of the PIPD, who was in charge of the investigation.
Wipperman was the sole occupant in his vehicle. Nadeau’s passengers included his wife, Clarina, and their five children, reported to be between the ages of 5 and 12.
According to police, all eight victims sustained some form of injury and were subsequently transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center for treatment. Wipperman and two of the children were later transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for further treatment. Wipperman was reported to be in fair condition on Monday. Information on the children was not available at presstime.
Ellis said heavy rain at the time caused poor visibility and is believed to be the cause of the accident.
“Rain at the time of the accident caused visibility to be quite poor,” said Ellis, noting it would have been difficult for drivers to clearly see the road’s dividing line. “The two vehicles collided head-on as a result.”
No charges are pending at this point, Ellis said.
Ellis was assisted at the scene by Sgts. Eric Erickson and Mark Barnes, with help from multiple units of the Presque Isle Fire Departnment and Crown Ambulance. Cowett’s Towing was contacted and removed Wipperman’s car. Nadeau’s van was removed by Palmer’s Towing Service. Both vehicles were totaled as the result of the accident.