A Sabattus man died Monday morning when his sport utility vehicle veered out of his lane on Route 197 in Litchfield and struck a tree, police said.

Michael Oliver, 67, was killed instantly in the crash just after 6:30 a.m., according to a news release by Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety.

Maine State Police trooper Erin James said Oliver was driving east when his Chevrolet Blazer crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a pine tree just off the opposite lane, according to McCausland. Oliver was alone in the SUV and was not wearing a seatbelt, McCausland said.

Even though a mixture of snow and rain had left roads wet and slushy Monday morning, the trooper does not believe road conditions were a factor in the crash, McCausland said.

The crash occurred near Gowell’s Shop n’ Save store on Route 197.


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