WESTFIELD, Maine — Three people suffered significant injuries early Friday morning when two cars collided on U.S. Route 1 in this rural community near Mars Hill.
One of the drivers, Kristen Cook, 25, was in critical condition at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor on Friday afternoon, according to a spokesman for the hospital. Cook of Bangor was northbound on the roadway in her 2011 Mazda just before 7:30 a.m. when she crossed over the centerline for unknown reasons, according to Maine State Police Sgt. Chad Fuller.
Charles Beidelman, 77, of Caribou tried to avoid Cook’s vehicle when it crossed over into his lane as he was headed south, but the Mazda struck the front of Beidelman’s 2012 Chevrolet Cruze on the front passenger side, Fuller said in a news release issued Friday.
First responders used a hydraulic device to gain access to Cook, Beidelman and his 67-year-old wife, Linda. All three were taken to The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle, where they were treated for broken bones and internal injuries, according to Fuller. Cook and Linda Beidelman were taken by aircraft for further treatment to EMMC in Bangor, the sergeant reported.
The hospital spokesperson had no information about Linda Beidelman’s condition.
All three accident victims had been wearing their seat belts.
Fuller said that speed was not a factor, but Trooper Adam Stoutamyer continues to investigate the accident.
Members of the Mars Hill Fire Department, Crown Ambulance and Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the crash.