HOPE/ROCKPORT — A driver was able to self extricate from a pickup truck Wednesday morning, after the truck lost control and rolled over near the Hope-Rockport town line. The truck broke through an end of guardrail and then continued into a bed of water along Route 17.

The incident occurred shortly around 7:50 a.m., April 5, resulting in closure of the eastbound lane, and allowing for one lane of morning commuter traffic to continue until the road was closed completely for the removal of the vehicle.

The driver – who was the sole occupant – opted to be checked out at a local hospital, and was transported by North East Ambulance.

Initially, the incident was believed to be in Hope. Therefore, Hope firefighters were called. Once on scene, however, those responders believed that the truck was technically in Rockport. According to Fire Chief Clarence Keller, the official town line is not an obvious straight line across the road. Instead, the line goes at an angle, and would require tracking by GPS to zero in on its actual location.

Since they were already there, Hope FD remained; however, Knox County Sheriff’s deputies – who would have covered the law enforcement aspect had the incident happened in Hope – opted to turn over coverage to Rockport Police.

In order to remove the pickup, responders cut out a piece of guardrail closest to the hood of the truck.

Camden Exxon was in charge of hauling the vehicle away. Maine Department of Transportation was notified about the damaged guardrail, and despite no detected fluids leaking, a oil noodle was put in the water to contain any leakage.

All lanes of traffic were reopened at 9:30 a.m.