The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday morning in New Portland that sent two people to the hospital with serious injuries.
The crash happened at 11:14 a.m. on Route 27 in New Portland. A passing motorist called police, saying the occupants of the rolled-over car were trapped inside, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
The driver, Robert Bernier, 47, of New Vineyard, and the passenger, Stacy O’Neal, 41, of New Vineyard, were trapped in the wreckage and gas was leaking from the overturned car, police said. The pair were freed from the vehicle, but they suffered serious injuries including cuts. The LifeFlight helicopter service was contacted but was unable to provide help because of the snowstorm moving into Maine.
Sugarloaf Rescue had responded as well, and both were taken initially to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington. Bernier stayed at Franklin Memorial; O’Neal was found to have possible life-threatening injuries and was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
Bernier was driving with a conditional license, which was for a previous conviction of operating under the influence. Speed and alcohol are being investigated as possible factors contributing to the accident, further charges are possible, and the accident remains under investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
The New Portland Fire Department and a state game warden were on the scene first, and Kingfield Fire Department also was dispatched to assist. Somerset County Sheriff’s Deputy Toby Blodgett, Cpl. David Cole and Deputy Craig Dyer responded as well.
Colin Ellis — 861-9253
cellis@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @colinoellis
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