A 64-year-old Newcastle man survived a fatal head on traffic collision that closed a section of Rt. 1 in Warren for almost four hours March 29, according to the Knox County Sheriffs Office.
Monte Edelstein, 64, of Newcastle, was operating a southbound 2004 Toyota Tacoma when he swerved into the oncoming lane and collided head on with a northbound 1998 Honda Civic operated by Nora Synnefakis, 24, of South Portland, KCSO Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said.
Synnefakis was killed instantly in the collision, which occurred near the intersection of Sterling Road and Rt. 1 a little after noon, Carroll said. At the time of the crash, Synnefakis was apparently on her way to visit her parents who live in Owls Head, Carroll said.
Synnefakis and Edelstein were the sole occupants in either vehicle.
Rescue crews using the Jaws of Life extricated Edelstein from his vehicle. He was ultimately transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland where he is listed in fair condition at press time.
The cause of the accident remains unknown at press time. Investigators currently don’t know why Edelstein entered the oncoming lane. According to witnesses, Edelstein was not attempting to pass at the time of the crash, Carroll said.
Following standard procedure, blood samples were taken from both victims for testing.
“It is a posted 55 mph zone, but there is nothing to show speed was a factor,” Carroll said.
At press time, charges are not expected, but the investigation is ongoing, Carroll said. KCSO investigators are handling the investigation. State Police are conducting the accident reconstruction.
State Police troopers, Thomaston police and Warren and Waldoboro fire departments assisted KCSO deputies at the scene. Rt. 1 was reopened to through traffic around 4:30 p.m.
