WARREN — A driver involved in motor vehicle crash on Route 1 in Warren, Thursday, had to be extricated by firefighters and then flown to a trauma hospital via LifeFlight shortly after the crash, which involved three other vehicles.

Just prior to 11:30 a.m., Aug. 6, Lincoln and Knox County dispatch centers received multiple reports of a white van that “ was unable to maintain its lane as it travelled” northbound through Waldoboro and into Warren, according to Knox County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Patrick Polky.

According to Polky, a Waldoboro police officer was notified, but was not able to catch up to the van before the van lost control near the North Pond Road/Atlantic Highway (Rte 1) intersection, crossed the center line, and struck other vehicles at approximately 11:30.

One of the 911 callers who was on the line with Knox Regional Communications Center reported the crash as it occurred, said Polky.

The drivers of two other vehicles allegedly saw the van, but were unable to avoid the subsequent collisions, according him. 

One of those vehicles, a silver 2020 jeep, was involved in the collision just south of the North Pond Road intersection. The van and a white 2013 pickup truck then crashed further north of the intersection, forcing both vehicles into the ditch of the southbound lane, and landing the van on its roof.

A Toyota Tacoma had also been struck. 

The Sheriff’s Office identified the driver of the white 2008 Chevy cargo van as Burton Quimby, 69, of Warren. Quimby was taken by helicopter to a trauma center for serious injuries; his vehicle was towed due to disabling damage.

Of the known vehicles involved, it is further known that four people were involved, according to Polky. One vehicle was occupied by two people. 

Two Waldoboro ambulances responded along with rigs out of Warren and Thomaston. 

All operators and occupants were treated for minor injuries with two being taken to local hospitals, according to Polky. All vehicles were towed due to disabling damage.

“As stated, this is still under investigation but it is believed that Mr. Quimby was experiencing a medical emergency at the time of the crash,” said Polky.

Warren Fire, Waldoboro Police and Knox Regional Communications Center assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Creek Hill and Oyster River towed vehicles from the scene. 

The road reopened in full after 11 a.m.

The investigation is still going on. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com