Staff Writer
EASTON — Driver inexperience is being blamed for an accident on Route 1A that seriously injured three people around 1 p.m. on Dec. 26.
“At approximately 1 p.m., a 2001 Subaru, operated by Brittany Kurpaska, 16, of Sunderland, Mass., veered off the right shoulder of Route 1A in Easton, as she traveled north. Kurpaska overcorrected to the left, lost control, crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Chevy Traverse, operated by Joseph Michaud, 55, of Winthrop,” said Trooper Shawn Whalen, investigating officer, Maine State Police.
According to Whalen, Michaud was southbound and had observed the Subaru leave the road and lose control. Michaud attempted to drive off the southbound lane shoulder onto Dennis Hussey’s property at 102 Houlton Rd., but was unable to avoid a collision.
“Kurpaska struck the left front of Michaud’s vehicle. Mr. Hussey heard the crash and called 9-1-1,” said Whalen.
Whalen said an engine fire started on the Subaru, following the accident, but Hussey was able to contain it until the fire department arrived on the scene.
Kurpaska and her mother, Hollie Kurpaska, 44, also of Sunderland, who was a passenger in the Subaru, both sustained injuries as the result of the accident.
“Kurpaska was accompanied by her mother. The daughter sustained two broken legs and two broken arms. She was transported from the Presque Isle airport to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor with non-life threatening injuries. The mother sustained two broken arms and was transported by Crown Ambulance to EMMC,” said Whalen.
Michaud was transported by aircraft to EMMC with multiple fractures to his left leg, said Whalen.
“Treated and released at The Aroostook Medical Center were Michaud’s wife, Joyce Michaud, 60, and their three children, ages 11, 12 and 15, who were all passengers in Chevy,” said Whalen.
Both vehicles sustained extensive damage estimated at a combined total of about $30,000 and were considered a total loss. All parties in both vehicles were using seatbelts and airbags deployed as well.
Assisting Whalen at the scene were the Easton and Mars Hill fire departments, as well as Troopers Brian Harris and Todd Stetson.
“Route 1A was shut down for approximately an hour. Kurpaska was operating under a Massachusetts driver’s permit. Factors involved in the crash were drive inexperience and inattention,” said Whalen.
No additional information on the status of those injured was available at presstime.
