By Dominik Lobkowicz
Updated Feb. 21 at 4:55 p.m.
A Camden man operating a sport utility vehicle on Route 17 in Somerville Feb. 21 died from injuries sustained when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck an oncoming
delivery truck, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
The operator of this Jeep was killed the morning of Feb. 21 when it crossed the center line and struck an oncoming delivery truck, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. (D. Lobkowicz photo) |
Alden F. Pease, 20, of Camden, was operating a 2004 Jeep Liberty westbound on Route 17 when it crossed over into the eastbound lane, striking a Pine State Trading Company
delivery truck operated by Lee A. Reynolds, 26, of Litchfield, according to an LCSO press release.
Both operators were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, and Reynolds appeared uninjured, the release states.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Route 17 and the Jones and Hewett Roads, just uphill from the Somerville Fire Station, and was first reported to the Lincoln County
Communications Center in Wiscasset around 7 a.m.
The road was snow covered and had not been treated with sand or salt at the time of the crash, and investigators suspect road conditions were a factor in the accident, according
to the press release.
Deputies forensically mapped the scene as part of their accident reconstruction, and the Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle unit responded to the scene and examined the
delivery truck, according to the release. No information is available about their inspection as of this posting.
Route 17 was closed for several hours during the mapping and as emergency crews dealt with the scene.
An examination of the vehicle operated by Pease is planned in the coming week by deputies and the Maine State Police to determine if any mechanical defects contributed to the
crash. Deputies will also attempt to locate and interview any witnesses to help determine why Pease’s vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane of travel.
Criminal charges appear unlikely, but the complete investigation will be provided to the district attorney’s office for a final review, according to the release.
Because the damage to the Jeep was extensive, it was initially difficult to identify Pease, according to an earlier LCSO press release.
In addition to the State Police, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Somerville Fire Department, Jefferson Fire and Rescue, Whitefield Fire Department,
Washington Fire Department, and Delta Ambulance.
