Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A two-vehicle accident on Main St. sent both drivers to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries Monday around lunchtime.
The Presque Isle Police Department responded around 11:59 a.m. Dec. 7 to a crash in front of NorState Federal Credit Union. Upon arrival, they found two SUVs on the financial institution’s lawn. “Albert I. Canning, 82, of Caribou, was traveling east out of the Movie Gallery parking lot, attempting to turn north onto Main St. Steffanie R. Novak, 25, of Presque Isle, was traveling south on Main St. when the accident occurred,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, PIPD, investigating officer.
According to Seeley, Canning did not see Novak’s vehicle when he pulled out into traffic. Canning’s 2002 Kia struck the right front fender of Novak’s 1995 GMC, causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
“Novak attempted to swerve to avoid a collision with Canning’s SUV but was unsuccessful,” said Seeley, noting the force of the collision caused both vehicles to land on the right-hand side of Main St., as you head north, with the Kia landing on the NSFCU’s lawn about 20 feet from the street.
Both drivers had passengers with them, said Seeley. Airbags deployed and seatbelts were used.
“Canning and Novak both complained of minor injuries, were transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center, where they were treated and later released,” said Seeley.
Jerry’s Towing, of Presque Isle, and Cowett’s Towing Service, also of Presque Isle, were called to remove the vehicles.
Canning’s Kia sustained about $4,000 in damage, said Mike Cowett, owner of Cowett’s Towing Service. Seeley indicated Novak’s GMC sustained extensive front-end damage, with an estimate of about $9,000.
The Presque Isle Fire Department’s first responders also assisted at the scene.
