NEW VINEYARD – Franklin County Sheriff’s Department personnel are continuing to investigate a multiple-vehicle collision on Route 27 this morning, which closed the roadway for several hours.
According to the investigating officer, Deputy Nathan Reid, no one was badly hurt in the incident, which involved a sedan, pickup truck and tractor trailer vehicle. New Vineyard Fire Department responded to the scene along with Farmington Fire Rescue and Northstar Ambulance, who transported two people to Franklin Memorial Hospital with “non-life threatening injuries.”
According to Reid, police believe that all three vehicles involved in the incident were traveling south on Route 27 at roughly 8:24 a.m. In the front was the 1995 Dodge pickup truck, believed to have been operated by Arnold Atwood, 66, of New Vineyard, which was traveling slower than the posted speed limit.
Near the Farmington/New Vineyard town line the other two vehicles, a 2002 Dodge sedan and a 2000 Peterbuilt tractor trailer truck, attempted to pass the pickup truck. Police believe that the sedan was being operated by Dawn Taylor, 70, of Kingfield, who was traveling with a passenger, Phyllis Dodge, 87, also of Kingfield. The larger vehicle’s operator is believed to be Edward Darling, 60, of Oakland.
While the sedan and tractor trailer were attempting to pass, police believe they collided, sending the sedan into nearby guardrails. The tractor trailer lost control and turned over, partially rolling over the pickup truck. It’s load, 2-by-4 boards, spilled into the roadway as the tractor trailer came to rest on its side.
Taylor and Dodge, both in the sedan, were transported to FMH. Route 27 was closed for several hours, reopening at 3:25 p.m. so debris, damaged vehicles and the spilled load could be removed. FCSD is being assisted by Maine State Police investigators with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Division.
Shouldn’t be giving kids licenses at 16 years old!
All accidents are from lack of experience!……………………..or maybe not.
I don’t read anywhere where a 16 year old was involved. All drivers were older in age and just because they’ve been driving for years doesn’t exempt them from driving with due regard. This goes to show experience isn’t everything. Older drivers should be refreshed in motor vehicle laws and operation every 5 years in order to keep their license.
Tractor trailer drivers shouldn’t be riding people’s bumpers!
Maybe everybody should be issued a Title 29-A with their license Matt?
Matt, I do believe Ed was making the point that young drivers aren’t the only ones to cause or be involved in an accident. That said, I do agree with you that older drivers – heck, maybe ALL drivers – should have a retest every so often.
Very happy everyone is O.K……Accidents are are called acidents for a reason, if you weren’t there then judgement should not be placed unless of course substances,or recklesness are involved(which I don’t think they were) Thank God everyone was O.K. remember next time it could be you. Drive with care:-)
you got it Angelica Wow i couldn’t have said it any better…. drive with care young and old… age has No Berror…too many judgemental people out there.. that don’t know the Facts…only think they do… be safe and “remember next time it could be you!!!!” well said!!!
Sorry, Matt, I guess I flew that tongue-in-cheeker a bit high. I’ll try to bring the next one down to where you can catch it. :-)