HOPE — Area firefighters were faced with an odd angle as they sought to extricate two occupants of a pickup truck, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, on the Camden Road (Rt. 105) in Hope. 

Following the approximate 10:54 a.m. report of a rollover in the area of 742 Camden Road, Hope FD immediately requested mutual aid from Lincolnville FD for its extrication equipment. And, as Lincolnville was en route, Hope FD made the decision to call upon Camden FD as well.

“We just wanted to make sure that we had enough equipment here,” said Hope Fire Chief Clarence Keller. “It’s a lot easier to have too much equipment than not enough.” 

Once on scene, the firefighters climbed into the ditch where the Ford had landed on its roof in a small ravine. Inside the Ford were operator Everett Smith, 60 of Hope, and Troy Jackson, 55 of Appleton. 

After analyzing their options, responders eventually were able to extricate the two men through a window. Both were taken to awaiting North East Mobile Health ambulances at approximately 12 p.m. Jackson was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries while Smith was assessed on scene before declining further medical attention.

Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies continue to investigate the circumstances prior to the crash. However, preliminary analysis of skid marks have deputies leaning toward inappropriate driving, such as attempting burnouts on the hill, according to Sheriff Pat Polky.

“The investigation is still under investigation, but it appears the Ford was traveling east on Camden Road and lost control, crossing the center line a few times before it went into the righthand side ditch, rolled over, and came to rest on its roof in the ravine,” said Polky. 

Smith was arrested for Operating Under the Influence and Driving to Endanger.

Polky and three other deputies responded to the call.

As always when a rollover is involved, firefighters pulled a water hose and kept it ready, but in this case, had no cause to use it. Though, due to a small gasoline leak into the brook, a representative from Maine Department of Environmental Protection was called assess the runoff. Keller didn’t believe the issue was significant. Maine Department of Transportation will assess the roadside damage within the next few days.

Camden Road, in that area, was reopened to traffic  by 1 p.m.

Camden Exxon towed the vehicle.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com