Mon, 10/08/2012 - 7:00pm

Holly S. Edwards

Firefighters use hydraulic extrication equipment while rescue crews tend to driver Eli Ranquist of Rockland after he crashed head-on into an oncoming Freightliner flatbed truck Monday afternoon in Cushing. (Photo courtesy Rockland Fire Department/Alan Athearn)

Rescue crews remove Eli Ranquist from inside his crumpled 2008 Dodge Avenger Monday afternoon in Cushing. (Photo courtesy Rockland Fire Department/Alan Athearn)

CUSHING — The Knox County Sheriff's Office is investigating an afternoon crash on River Road in Cushing Monday, with preliminary reports that speed may have been a factor.

Eli Ranquist, 19, of Rockland, was driving a 2008 Dodge Avenger north on River Road when he lost control on the corner by Cross Road and crossed the centerline, according to police.

The Dodge struck an oncoming 2005 Freightliner flatbed truck operated by Terrance Ryan, 47, of Warren. The impact and resulting damage required the use of hydraulic extrication equipment, which was furnished by the Rockland Fire Department.

Ranquist and Ryan were the only individuals in the two vehicles. Ryan was uninjured but a Lifeflight of Maine helicopter was called to transport Ranquist from the scene to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. In a press release, Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said Ranquist suffered serious injuries, and as of 7 p.m. was listed in critical condition.

The accident occurred around 2 p.m., Oct. 8. Carroll said Maine State Police has been called to assist "as standard procedure with a commercial vehicle" involved and to assist deputies with reconstruction of the crash by Rockland Police Sgt. Ken Smith.

In addition to Rockland fire and rescue crews and equipment, Cushing Fire and Rescue also assisted at the scene.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.