ROCKPORT — A single-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon, May 20, on Commercial Street (Route 1) south of Pascal Ave., knocked out power to neighboring residents and businesses after the driver struck a utility pole, snapping it in half.

At approximately 3 p.m., first responders were called to the scene of the crash where a black 2008 GMC sport utility vehicle had left the roadway, struck a pole and a tree and rolled over, according to Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley.

The driver, Ellie A. Carleton, 54, of Rockport, was transported by a North East Mobile Health Services ambulance to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, but was not seriously injured. The airbags in Carleton’s vehicle deployed during the crash.

Rockport Police Officer Chris Taylor responded to the scene. According to the police report, Carleton was traveling northbound on Commercial Street when her vehicle went off the road. There were not any brake marks observed in the area of the crash.

Police have attributed the accident to a distracted driver. 

Rockport Assistant Fire Chief John Wickenden was in charge at the accident scene, working with a team of 15 firefighters, who responded.

Peasley said Wickenden did a phenomenal job of taking command and working closely with the emergency medical technicians on how to safely remove the driver, who had to be extricated through the roof of the vehicle. The process took about 20 minutes. 

Central Maine Power worked at the scene to repair the pole, owned by Fairpoint Communications, and restored power. Steve Laite, owner of Camden Exxon, towed the vehicle from the scene. 

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com