FRIENDSHIP — A Waldoboro man sustained serious injuries in a crash in Friendship early Thursday morning, when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed violently into a large tree on Cushing Road (Route 97).

Just before 2 this morning, Aug. 18, Knox County Regional Communications Center reported to Sheriff's deputies a single vehicle crash in Friendship.

Upon arrival, Sgt. Patrick Polky and Deputy Paul Spear found the driver, Joseph Solomon, 39, in his 2009 Mazda four-door that was destroyed in the crash.

According to police, Solomon said when he realized he was in the opposing lane, he suddenly tried to react and over-corrected and lost control of his vehicle. He crossed back into the northbound lane onto a lawn and struck a large tree, spun around in the road and came to a stop in the driveway of the residence he hit the tree.

The crash was reportedly violent enough to rip the engine from the car and came to rest in the roadway. It is believed that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Solomon suffered broken bones and lacerations, and was transported by a LifeFlight of Maine helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center.

Friendship Fire and Waldoboro Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.