Crash injures 2, cuts electricity Teens’ car rolls over on Route 69

CARMEL – A Christmas Eve rollover on Route 69 sent two area teen-agers to the hospital and prompted a power outage that affected Central Maine Power Co. customers as far away as Newport.

Injured in the accident were Jessica Duane, 19, of Etna and her passenger, Douglas Guerrette, 17, of Newport, according to Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputy Douglas Smith.

Duane and Guerrette both were taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor. Smith said the two were on their way to a Christmas Eve church event at the time of the accident.

Guerrette was treated and released Sunday night. Duane, who had to be extricated from her vehicle by Carmel and Levant firefighters, remained in the hospital late Monday, listed in fair condition. It was not yet clear if the two were wearing seat belts during the accident, which remained under investigation Monday night.

According to Smith, the accident occurred at about 7:30 p.m., about a mile from Carmel Village, when Duane lost control of her 1997 Chevrolet automobile. After sliding off the road, the vehicle rolled, struck a utility pole and came to a rest on its side, leaning up against a second pole.

The pole that was struck snapped, damaging a transformer and causing a widespread power outage. Power to most of the affected electric customers was restored later Sunday night, though customers closest to the accident scene had to wait somewhat longer, according to Smith.

Specifics about the duration and extent of the outage were unavailable from CMP on Christmas Day.

Smith attributed the accident to speed and road conditions, which he described as icy and covered with a dusting of snow.

He said Duane’s vehicle was demolished.