LINCOLNVILLE — The driver of a Volkswagen Jetta died Tuesday night on Route 52 after his car crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming Kia. The driver in that vehicle was transported to Waldo County General Hospital after Lincolnville firefighters extricated her from behind the steering wheel.

Adam Knight, 31, of Lincolnville, died at the crash, which occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. near 2209 Belfast Road (Route 52), just south of the Lincolnville Grange Hall. 

According to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, Knight was northbound on Route 52 when his car traveled into the path of the southbound 2007 Kia operated by Priscilla Jones, 58, of Lincolnville.

The force of the crash caused the Volkswagen to travel into the woods and break into two pieces. Adam Knight was ejected from his car. 

Lincolnville Fire Chief Ben Hazen was at the scene quickly and determined Knight had died. With extrication equipment and under portable lights, the firefighters worked to pull Jones from her car. Other firefighters combed the woods to determine if any passengers had been in the Volkswagen.

It was found that the drivers had been traveling alone.

On April 1, Waldo County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jason Trundy said:  “The accident is under investigation and speed and alcohol are suspected as possible contributing factors. We will report additional information as toxicology and reconstruction reports become available.”

The airbags in both cars deployed, and the cars were smoking, said Hazen. Firefighters stood by with hoses.

Once Jones was cleared from the car, North East Mobile Health Services transported her to the Belfast hospital. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.

Firefighters closed Route 52 from the Joy Road and rerouted traffic along the Townhouse Road for three hours while Sheriff’s deputies Cody Laite and Benjamin Seekins began reconstructing the accident. 

Waldo County Deputy Kevin Littlefield was the primary investigating officer and was assisted by Sgt. James Greeley and Deputy Daniel Thompson. 

Lincolnville Fire Department, with 12 responding volunteers, remained at the scene while the deputies determined the cause of the accident. Allen Blood transported the wrecked vehicles to Belfast and Route 52 was reopened at 10:30 p.m.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657