STOCKHOLM — Firefighters with the Northern Lakes Fire and Rescue Department found themselves in need of assistance while responding to a car-moose accident near Madawaska Lake on the night of Aug. 4.
According to State Trooper Todd Stetson, firefighter Stephen Belanger, 53, was driving the fire department’s tanker truck with firefighter Ben Pelletier, 54, on their way to the scene when a moose ran into the roadway in front of the tanker. Though Belanger tried to avoid the moose, the tanker stuck and killed the animal. Neither firefighter was injured, though significant damage was sustained to the vehicle to the extent that it was towed from the scene.
The two firefighters were responding to an initial car-moose accident on Route 161 in Madawaska Lake; Tommy Collins, 39, was diving a van northbound with passengers Cindy Collins, 46, and Richard Collins, 41, when three moose ran into the road. The driver was able to avoid two moose but struck and killed the third.
All passengers received minor cuts and scrapes; Cindy Collins was transported to Caribou Fire and Rescue to Cary Medical Center. The vehicle sustained significant damage and was removed from the scene by a wrecker.
Trooper Stetson was assisted at the scene by officials with the Caribou Fire and Ambulance department as well as the North Lakes Fire and Rescue Department.
