LIBERTY — An early morning accident on Route 3 in Liberty left downed power lines and a Circle K gas station without both gas pumps.

The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office received report of the crash at 4 a.m. today, according to a media report. The caller told law enforcement that a box truck had left the roadway, knocking over power lines before striking both fuel pumps at the Liberty Circle K.

The operator of the 2015 Isuzu box truck, identified as John Hespe, 60, of New Gloucester, suffered significant injuries as a result of the crash. Hespe had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported to Maine General Hospital for treatment by Liberty Ambulance. 

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with Deputy Merl Reed, of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, acting as primary investigator. The accident is also being reconstructed by members of the Rockland Police Department and Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.

Fire departments from Liberty, Montville, Palermo, Searsmont, and Belmont responded to the scene, in addition to the Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle division.

Representatives of Central Maine Power and Fairpoint communications also responded to the scene to restore phone and power lines. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com