SKOWHEGAN – An elderly couple from Jay were killed Saturday morning in a two-car accident near Lake George Regional Park on Route 2.

Herman Carlstrom, 71, and Roberta Carlstrom, 65, along with their pet cat, died at the scene after their 2002 Nissan, which was headed east, suddenly went into the opposite lane and was struck by an oncoming truck, according to Skowhegan Officer David Daigneault.

The officer said it is unknown what caused the Carlstrom vehicle to lose control and go across the road. Roberta Carlstrom was driving.

The officer said neither alcohol nor speed appears to be a factor in the crash.

The 2000 Ford 250 truck, which was towing a trailer and boat, was driven by Gerard Malo, 28, of Canaan, and it struck the Carlstroms’ sedan in the front passenger door.

Malo and a passenger, Ashley Nelson, 17, also of Canaan, were taken to Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan for treatment of minor injuries.

Both vehicles were heavily damaged and ended up in a ditch after the crash. Daigneault said that LifeFlight air ambulance was called but turned back when it was discovered both victims had died.

Traffic on Route 2 was heavy at the time of the accident because of the holiday weekend, and vehicles had to be rerouted while the crash was reconstructed by Maine State Police Sgt. Sean Currie.

Daigneault was assisted at the scene by Skowhegan Officer Daryl Gordon, several Maine state troopers and Somerset County deputies.