FAIRFIELD — A Waterville couple was taken to the hospital Saturday morning after their car struck a pole on Main Street, knocking it down across the road, according to police.
Elizabeth Whitten, 77, was driving south near the Waterville line with her husband, George, 81, in the passenger seat, when their 2006 Toyota Corolla struck a utility pole at the corner of Main Street and Military Avenue, according to Officer Shanna Blodgett, who was at the scene.
“We’re not sure if she went airborne before she hit the pole,” Blodgett said. “The car ultimately rolled on its roof.”
Police got a 911 call at 10:29 a.m. from someone reporting a car had taken out a pole, Blodgett said.
When Blodgett arrived, a woman who identified herself as being in the medical field was crouched down by the vehicle, trying to help, she said. Other people also had stopped and one man directed traffic until emergency crews arrived, Blodgett said.
“When we got here, both occupants were conscious and breathing,” she said.
The Whittens were taken by Delta Ambulance to Thayer Campus, MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville, with what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries, according to Blodgett.
“Mr. Whitten said he was fine, but we take precautionary measures, especially with something this serious,” Blodgett said. “She (Elizabeth Whitten) complained of leg pain.”
The Toyota was destroyed in the crash, the cause of which was not certain, according to Blodgett.
“It’s a possibility she (Elizabeth Whitten) drifted asleep, according to the husband,” Blodgett said.
At the scene, a Central Maine Power Co. crew was working on the downed pole. The street was closed off to traffic.
“The wire was live, so basically what they’re doing is securing the line and they’re going to have to make arrangements to remove the pole,” Blodgett said. “I’m assuming another crew will replace the pole.”
Fairfield police and firefighters worked at the scene, and Waterville police Officer Tim Hinton was on hand at the city line to help divert traffic off College Avenue. College Avenue turns into Main Street once a motorist hits the Fairfield town line.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com

 

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