Icy roads blamed for several crashes
Staff Writer
Rush-hour traffic was reduced to a crawl for some and a dead stop for others Monday, as warmer temperatures, that had caused daytime snowfall to turn to slush on area roadways, fell to below freezing, creating ice that led to treacherous driving conditions in Aroostook.
The most serious accident involved three vehicles in two communities, as a section of Route 1 at the town line between Westfield and Presque Isle turned into a skating rink of sorts for drivers just before 5 p.m. Monday.
“Maine State Trooper Rob Flynn investigated the initial rollover that the Presque Isle Police Department was dispatched to because the vehicle ended up leaving the roadway in Westfield, just over the town line,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, PIPD, who assisted Flynn with the first report and subsequently investigated a related accident involving two other vehicles along the same section of road.
According to Seeley, Christine Gordon, 60, of Mattawamkeag, was traveling south on Route 1, approaching the Westfield town line, when she lost control of her vehicle on the icy roadway.
“The vehicle crossed the northbound travel lane and rolled over into the ditch,” explained Seeley.
Gordon was wearing a seatbelt.
“She sustained a minor head injury but did not want to go to the hospital,” said Seeley. “Gordon’s 2004 Toyota Tundra pick-up truck sustained approximately $6,000 in damage.”
Jerry’s Towing, of Presque Isle, responded and up-righted the truck, which could then be driven from the scene, said Seeley.
What started as a single-vehicle mishap turned into a multiple-car incident when passing motorists noticed the first accident and traffic began to slow down.
“At about 4:42 p.m., the PIPD was notified of the first crash on the Houlton Rd. near the Westfield town line. Prior to arriving at the scene, the department received a second call of another motor vehicle collision that had occurred near the same location,” said Seeley.
The second incident involved two cars that had slowed upon seeing the first accident.
“Lynn Boulton, 33, of Caribou, was traveling north on Route 1, approaching the town line when she came upon a vehicle rolled over in the ditch. Boulton attempted to brake as she approached this accident. When she did so, her vehicle started sliding on the icy roadway,” said Seeley.
Boulton’s automobile slid out of control, striking another car.
“Christopher Brown, 21, of Caribou, was traveling south on Route 1 and had stopped in traffic due to the rollover and was pulled off the side of the roadway. Boulton’s vehicle started spinning in the roadway and struck Mr. Brown’s vehicle,” said Seeley.
According to Seeley, the surface of the roadway at the time of the crash was icy and slippery.
Boulton was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. Her 1995 Buick LeSabre four-door sustained approximately $7,000 in damage and was towed from by Cowett’s Towing of Presque Isle.
Brown was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.
“He had two passengers with him — an 18-year-old female from Caribou and a 16-year-old female from Woodland — who were also wearing their seatbelts and were uninjured,” said Seeley.
Brown’s 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix four-door sustained approximately $5,000 in damage and was towed from the scene by TA Service of Presque Isle.
Trooper Flynn assisted Seeley at the second crash. Crown Ambulance responded to both.
“Road conditions all over the area were hazardous late Monday afternoon and well into the evening,” said Seeley.
As Seeley waited for wreckers to respond to the Route 1 accidents, he commented that the icy roads made trying to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic “like playing Russian roulette with the cars,” as motorists attempted to pass the accident scene while officers and wrecker crews cleared wrecked vehicles from the hill.
A third crash was reported on the Houlton Rd. about the same time near Perry’s Mini Mart.
“At approximately 4:42 p.m. Sgt. Mark Barnes, of the PIPD, investigated a crash that occurred on Route 1 south of the city involving two vehicles,” said Seeley.
As one vehicle slowed to make a turn, a second vehicle — unable to stop in time due to the slush-covered road — struck the first.
“Courtney Lovely, 28, Presque Isle, was traveling south in a 2008 Mazda and had slowed down to turn into a residence. Kevin Sharp, 45, Presque Isle, was also traveling south on Route 1 behind Lovely’s vehicle. Due to very slippery roads, Sharp’s vehicle slid sideways and struck Lovely’s vehicle as it passed by,” said Seeley.
No injuries were reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene. All parties involved were wearing seatbelts.
“Lovely’s 20008 Mazda four-door sustained approximately $500 in damage to the rear of the vehicle. Sharp’s 1999 Ford Taurus sustained about $1,000 in damage to the passenger side,” said Seeley.
A fourth crash was reported on the Washburn Road in Presque Isle a short time later.
“At approximately 4:54 p.m., Officer Peter Johnson, PIPD, investigated a crash that occurred on the Washburn Rd. involving a motor vehicle driven by Amy Reed, 20, Washburn,” said Seeley.
Seeley said Reed was traveling west when the vehicle in front of her slowed to make a lefthand turn into a private drive.
“Reed lost control of her vehicle while trying to slow for the turning vehicle and slid off the roadway. There were no injuries. The vehicle was pulled from the ditch, with no apparent damage, and was drivable,” said Seeley.
Reed was wearing her seatbelt ad was not injured.
No charges were expected in any of the crashes.
The police scanner remained noisy for several hours Monday night, as accidents were reported around The County.
Emergency personnel responded to several weather-related accidents throughout the region well into Monday evening. Mapleton first responders were requested to assist state police shortly before 5 p.m. at an accident on Route 163 near the old transfer station. Border Patrol reportedly assisted state police with an accident south of Bridgewater around 5:12 p.m. Details on either call were not available at presstime.
With daytime temperatures hovering at the freezing mark and snow showers predicted throughout the week, and evening temperatures dropping, icing conditions are expected to continue. Police advise motorists use caution.
“Allow extra time to reach your destination. Make sure windows are clear of snow and ice for better visibility. Adjust speed according to road conditions,” said Seeley.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Joey Seeley
WILD RIDE — Christine Gordon, of Mattawamkeag, found herself in a predicament Monday while traveling on Route 1. Gordon lost control on icy roads, rolling her Toyota pickup near the Presque Isle-Westfield town lines. Here, State Trooper Rob Flynn investigates.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Joey Seeley
EXTENSIVE DAMAGE was the end result of a two-car accident on Route 1 at the Presque Isle-Westfield town lines Monday, when ice and snow combined to create a dangerous mix for motorists. Here, a car owned by Christopher Brown, of Caribou, awaits a wrecker, as a PIPD patrol vehicle provides light at the scene.
Photo courtesy of Sgt. Joey Seeley
ICY ROADS were blamed for this crash on Route 1 of a car driven by Lynn Boulton, Caribou.
