A 17-year-old girl was killed in a snowmobile crash Saturday afternoon in Washburn, according to the Maine Warden Service.
The crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. on Story Street, when a 17-year-old boy was driving the snowmobile with the girl as his passenger, said Maine Warden Service spokesperson Mark Latti.
The snowmobile was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to make a 90-degree turn in the road, striking a curb, flipping over and ejecting both teens. The driver, passenger and snowmobile then struck the side of a house, Latti said.
The girl was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy suffered multiple injuries and was taken first to Cary Medical Center in Caribou and later to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Both teenagers were wearing helmets.
MSAD 45 Superintendent and Principal Larry Worcester said a gathering will be held at Washburn District High School at 3 p.m. on Sunday for those who need support. School staff, counselors and area clergy will be available.
“This loss is a devastating blow to our entire school family and community,” Worcester wrote in a letter posted on social media. “We know this news brings shock, sadness and many questions.”
The Maine Warden Service is withholding the names of those involved because the crash remains under investigation. Presque Isle EMS, Presque Isle Fire and Rescue, and the Presque Isle Police Department assisted at the scene.
