A Whitefield man escaped serious injury in a head-on collision that killed a Randolph woman and seriously injured the woman’s eight-year-old daughter Oct. 29.
According to the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred around 8:17 a.m. on the Togus Road just south of the Togus V.A. entrance.
According to the KCSO, a westbound 1997 Toyota sedan operated by Noella M. Peabody, 41, drifted approximately two feet into the eastbound lane and collided with an International pickup truck, owned by the Maine Dept. of Transportation and operated by Arnold E. Bickford, 33, of Whitefield.
As a result of the collision, Peabody received extensive injuries, resulting in her death at the scene. Peabody’s eight-year old daughter sustained extensive head and facial injuries, which required surgery. At press time, she was reported to be in stable condition.
Bickford received minor facial injuries and was released at the scene. Peabody’s Toyota received extensive frontal damage and was a total loss. The DOT truck sustained more than $5000 in damage.
Fire and Rescue units from Chelsea, Randolph, Togus V.A., and Gardiner assisted at the scene.
In a prepared statement, Knox County Sheriff Randall Liberty said the preliminary investigation indicates driver inattention was a possible factor.
“This accident was not the result of alcohol or speed,” Liberty said. “The initial investigation points to driven inattention. This investigation continues and the vehicles are being examined to rule out vehicle defect. This is tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Peabody family.”
