WARREN — One person is dead and LifeFlight was called to a local hospital to meet a critically injured person, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Camden Road (Route 90) and Western Road, in Warren.

The impact of the collision, which occured at approximately 1:20 p.m., resulted in both vehicles going off the road into a grassy area at the entrance to the south side of the intersection, and allowing Route 90 to stay open, yet still required traffic control for incoming units and to prevent vehicular access to the south side entrance of Western Road. A secondary crash also occured, requiring the closure of Route 90 for less than 20 minutes.

Warren Fire and EMS, Waldoboro EMS, Knox County Sheriff's Office, and State troopers all responded to the incident. 

According to Sheriff Patrick Polky, in an evening news release, a preliminary review indicates that a white 2026 Ram pickup, operated by Churchill Burwell, 19, of New Haven, Connecticut, entered the intersection from the north side approach of Western Road. The pickup struck an eastbound 2024 Toyota Corolla traveling on Camden Road, operated by Margaret Coleman, 48, of Whitefield. Mr. Burwell, whose family owns property here in Knox County, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Ms. Coleman sustained severe, life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a critical care center in Portland. A juvenile passenger in Coleman's vehicle was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

"This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this devastating incident," said Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky. "We are entirely focused on uncovering exactly what happened. A reconstruction team is working diligently on the scene to map out the precise details of the collision. We ask for the community's patience and prayers for the families as our active investigation continues."

According to Polky, the exact mechanics of the crash remain under investigation by a specialized accident reconstruction team. Further factual details will be released to the public as they are formally verified, according to him.

Emergency crews left the scene at 4:30 p.m.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office wishes to extend its gratitude to the numerous mutual aid partners who provided critical scene management, medical assistance, and emergency response logistics:

● Knox County Communication Center

● Warren Fire Department and Rescue

● Waldoboro EMS 

● Maine State Police

● Maine State Marine Patrol

● Rockland Police Department

● Knox County District Attorney’s Office

● Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

● Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

● Creek Hill Towing

The Maine Department of Transportation continues its plans to build a roundabout at the Camden Road-Western Road intersection, having mentioned the idea well before August 2023, and has the project listed on its Planned Capital and Maintenance Work 2026-2028 list. The roundabout construction is estimated to cost approximately $3,420,000.