Dropped cigarette causes car crash

MILO — An adult and two children were injured in a one-car accident Sunday afternoon in Milo. The three were taken to the Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, were treated and released.

According to Jay Covell, Milo reserve police officer, Beth Herbest, 28, of Milo was driving south on Riverside Street in a 1982 Chevette when a cigarette she was smoking dropped onto the floor on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. In trying to retrieve the cigarette, Herbest lost control of the car, which left the road and came to rest against a telephone pole.

Passengers in the front seat of the car with Herbest were her children, Ashley, 6, and Philip Jr., 4. None of the occupants of the vehicle was wearing a seat belts. The car was demolished.

Covell said no charges were pending. He was assisted at the scene by David Preble of the Maine State Police. CUTL:A 1982 CHEVROLET Chevette was severely damaged when the driver, Beth Herbest of Milo, dropped a cigarette and lost control of the vehicle in an attempt to retrieve the cigarette. Herbest and two children were taken to Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, where they were treated for minor injuries, then were released. (NEWS Photo by Phil Gerow)