WARREN — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a serious motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a minivan that occurred early in the afternoon, Wednesday, Aug. 5, on Atlantic Highway.

At approximately 12:26 p.m., Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with local emergency medical services and fire personnel, responded to the area of 3047 Atlantic Highway in Warren following reports of a two-vehicle collision.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a black 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling northbound on Atlantic Highway, according to Knox County Sheriff Patrick Polky, in a news release. A 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is alleged to have pulled out from a driveway on the northbound side of the highway directly into the path of the oncoming motorcycle, causing the collision.

The operator of the Chrysler minivan was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and subsequently released.

The operator of the Kawasaki motorcycle sustained severe injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. A passenger on the motorcycle who also sustained severe injuries was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center by LifeFlight of Maine. Just after 1 p.m., LifeFlight landed a helicopter just inside the Waldoboro town line, at nearby Medomak Valley High School, which is a designated landing zone for the emergency medical transport helicopters.

Deputies are currently investigating the names and identifying information of the operators and the passenger, according to the Sheriff, in the news release. 

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene. Atlantic Highway was restricted while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and investigators conducted an initial reconstruction.

"This crash serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are on our highways and how crucial it is for drivers to remain vigilant," said Sheriff Polky. "Too often, drivers look for other cars but completely fail to see oncoming motorcycles due to their smaller profile. We urge every motorist to take that extra second to look twice before pulling out of a driveway or intersection—that single moment of shared awareness can prevent a devastating tragedy."

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

● Knox County Communications Center

● Warren Fire Department and Rescue

● Waldoboro EMS

● Maine Towing

The crash remains under active investigation by the Knox County Sheriff's Office. Additional details will be released when they are available.