NEW SHARON – An Anson man has been charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and operating after suspension of license after his truck crashed into a utility pole Sunday evening.
Edward Hand, 37, of Anson, was issued a summons on the two charges after being treated for minor injuries at the scene. According to Maine State Trooper Scott Dalton, the Dodge pickup truck Hand operated was traveling east on Route 2 through New Sharon when it drifted over the center line and off the other side of the road shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday evening.
The vehicle reportedly struck a utility pole, snapping it in half. The downed power lines landed on the truck, which prevented rescue workers from reaching Hand immediately following the accident. Dalton, as well as New Sharon Fire Department and Central Maine Power personnel responded, eventually shutting the power to the area down. This allowed Hand to vacate the vehicle.
While Hand sustained minor injuries, Dalton said it appeared he never lost consciousness while waiting for the power to be shut off. NorthStar emergency crew members treated Hand at the scene, but he refused transport to Franklin Memorial Hospital.
Power remained off for surrounding homes in New Sharon, Starks and Industry for some time. Hand was issued a summons by Dalton on charges of being under the influence while driving and operating a motor vehicle after suspension of license.
No one else was involved in the incident.
