State police said a West Gardiner teenager is lucky to be alive after his car was involved in a crash on High Street in West Gardiner early Sunday morning.

The 16-year-old boy lost control at the crest of a hill and the car struck a utility pole, breaking off the pole at the ground. The car then overturned several times and came to rest on its wheels. The impact tore the engine from the car’s frame.

Troopers Seth Allen and Eric Verhille are investigating the wreck and said speed and alcohol are the likely causes. It is expected the teenager will be charged. The boy’s name was not released.

The boy was examined at the scene by responders from Gardiner for minor injuries and released to family members. The troopers said the boy had just dropped off a friend a short time before the crash.


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