Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the age of Roland West based on information released by police. It was a source error.
WEST FORKS — An 80-year-old Jackman man was in critical condition Thursday after he crashed a truck into a large rock off of U.S. Route 201 in West Forks on Wednesday.
An 80-year-old Jackman man was seriously injured Wednesday in a crash on U.S. Route 201 in West Forks. Photo courtesy of Somerset County Sheriff’s Office
Roland West was transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor via LifeFlight of Maine with serious injuries, Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday evening.
A hospital spokesperson said Thursday afternoon that West was listed in critical condition.
West suffered head injuries, as well as possible broken bones and internal injuries, in the crash shortly before noon Wednesday, Mitchell said.
Deputies responding to the scene found that West’s 2005 Dodge pickup truck was traveling northbound, crossed the centerline and crashed into a rock in a ditch on the southbound side of the highway, Mitchell said.
No other vehicles were involved and there were no passengers, Mitchell said.
The crash occurred on a straight section of U.S. Route 201, and it is unclear what may have caused the wreck since West was not alert when police and rescuers were on scene, Mitchell said.
“Right now, we have no idea,” Mitchell said.
The crash is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office reconstruction team and will be forensically mapped, Mitchell said. Deputy William Crawford IV is leading the investigation.
Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by the West Forks Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service, and Northeast Ambulance.
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