A driver struck a utility pole after allegedly failing to stop at a red light in Damariscotta Monday, Oct. 26.
Harry Kierstead, 91, of Damariscotta, was operating his 2005 Ford Ranger southbound on Main Street when he ran a red light, according to Damariscotta Police Sgt. Jason Warlick.
Kierstead struck the passenger side of a 2006 Honda CR-V driven by Terry Hapach, 58, of Damariscotta. Hapach, who had a green light, was traveling through the intersection from Biscay Road to Church Street, Warlick said.
After striking Hapach’s vehicle, Kierstead continued through the intersection before striking a utility pole at the corner of Church Street and Main Street, causing it to break in two places.
Both Kierstead and Hapach were transported to Lincoln Health-Miles Campus by Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service for minor injuries. According to hospital personnel, Hapach was treated and released. Kierstead was admitted and is in stable condition.
Warlick said he suspects both vehicles are totaled. Kierstead and Hapach were both wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident. Airbags in both vehicles deployed.
“This is one of those instances when the airbags and the seat belts saved lives,” Warlick said.
Central Maine Power Co. replaced the pole Oct. 26.
The Damariscotta Fire Department assisted with traffic control. While on scene, the fire department responded to a call from Mr. Mike’s Market across the street for a report of spilled gasoline. According to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Hall, a woman was filling her vehicle when the gas hose broke loose. Hall estimated 3 gallons of gasoline spilled on the ground.
The fire department cleaned up the spilled gasoline before returning to the scene of the accident.