Head-on China crash leaves 1 dead, 2 hurt

CHINA – One person was killed and another left in critical condition after a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a station wagon Saturday morning on Route 3.

Killed in the crash was David Lemire, 38, of North Oxford, Mass. Lemire was heading east on a 2001 Harley-Davidson when a 1998 Subaru Legacy coming from the opposite direction and driven by Philip Myrick, 67, of Unity crossed into his lane.

Investigating Maine State Trooper Jason Richards said the motorcycle struck the Subaru directly in the center of the front bumper.

The impact sent Lemire hurtling onto the station wagon and tumbling into the road before landing in a ditch. He was not wearing a helmet and was killed instantly.

A friend of Lemire was riding a motorcycle behind him and witnessed the collision, said Richards.

Myrick was taken by helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, where he was listed in critical condition on Sunday, said Richards.

His passenger, Dana Gower, 47, of Unity, was taken by ambulance to Thayer Memorial Hospital in Waterville and treated for broken ribs.

The driver’s side air bag in Myrick’s vehicle deployed; both he and Gower were wearing seat belts.

The collision occurred near Dirigo Road, and Richards attributed it to driver inattention.

The accident remains under investigation.