ORIENT, Maine — A Massachusetts woman died shortly after noon Thursday when her vehicle collided with a tractor trailer on U.S. Route 1 in Orient.
David Gardner, 72, of Patten was traveling north on Route 1 in Orient in this 2004 International tractor trailer when a vehicle driven by Darlene Williams, 69, of Charlton City, Massachusetts, pulled into his path, according to the Maine State Police. Rescue personnel declared Williams dead at the scene. (Courtesy of Maine State Police)
Darlene Williams, 69, of Charlton City, Massachusetts, drove her 2006 Kia Sorento onto U.S. Route 1 from the Beaver Brook Road and into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer around 12:13 p.m., according to Maine State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Clark.
David Gardner, 72, of Patten was traveling north on Route 1 in a 2004 International tractor trailer when Williams’ vehicle pulled out into his path.
“All indications are that Williams failed to yield the right of way and pulled out in front of Gardner,” Clark said in a press release. “Gardner attempted to stop, but due to the snow covered roads, he was unable.”
Gardner struck the driver side of Williams’ vehicle causing extensive damage. Williams was not wearing her seatbelt, according to police and was pronounced dead at the scene. Clark said Gardner did not appear to be injured, but rescue personnel transported him to Houlton Regional Hospital for evaluation.
Trooper Ryan Killcollins responded to the call and continues to investigate the accident. Members of the Maine Warden Service, Maine Department of Transportation, and Danforth Fire and Ambulance service assisted at the scene.
