Downs power pole

UPDATE: Driver OK following crash into Rockport stone wall

Thu, 11/09/2017 - 8:00pm

    ROCKPORT — The driver of a Honda Fit that hit a utility support pole on Route 1, and took down wires before spinning around, and rolling over onto its side against a stone wall on Route 1 in Rockport was treated and released from Pen Bay Medical Center without serious injury.

    Christopher Szarke, 53, of Belfast, was traveling north on Route 1 alone in his vehicle when he likely dozed off, according to police reports. Rockport Police said Szarke crashed and was able to climb out of the small car by himself. The car was demolished.

    Another car, a small van, heading southbound at the same time also sustained damage when the wires from the downed pole sliced across the driver side’s quarter panel. There were no injuries.


     

    ROCKPORT — A car crash tonight, Nov. 8, on Route 1 in Rockport near the entrance to Down East Magazine resulted in one person being transported to Pen Bay Medical Center. The driver’s Honda was demolished after it struck a utility pole, went off the road and landed on its side against a stone wall. 

    The crash splintered the pole, which fell across the highway, taking wires down with it. 

    The crash occurred just after 7 p.m., and Rockport firefighters immediately closed the highway to traffic while an emergency crew from Central Maine Power quickly made its way to the scene.

    Another vehicle traveling just behind the car that had crashed was apparently struck by the downed wires, but there were no associated injuries.

    The CMP crew determined that the wires were not live, and Rockport firefighters moved the lines and pole to the side of the highway.

    A North East Mobile Health ambulance crew took the one driver to the hospital.

    Steve Laite, of Camden Exxon, transported the car from the side of the road to his garage, and Rockport firefighters cleared debris before opening Route 1 back up to traffic.

    This story will be updated when more details become available.

     


    Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657