KNOX COUNTY — The evening commute was slowed in a couple of areas of Knox County on the Friday before Easter due to two motor vehicle crashes. The crashes took place within seven minutes of each other, and the second crash involved an ambulance.

At 4:40 p.m., April 7, Thomaston police, fire, and EMS were called to Main Street (Route 1) near Booker Street after a vehicle is believed to have crossed the centerline, striking another vehicle head-on. One person was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center by Thomaston Ambulance. Southbound Route 1 traffic was diverted along a parallel street adjacent to Route 1 while northbound traffic was diverted up Booker Street. 

Seven minutes after the Thomaston call, another crash was reported at the intersection of Route 131 and Route 90, in Warren. This crash involved two vehicles, one of which was a Waldoboro ambulance. Knox County deputies, Warren Fire, and Ambulance all responded to the scene, as did a second rig out of Waldoboro. 

Deputies were still gathering statements from occupants and witnesses when the wrecker arrived to retrieve a red pickup truck that was involved in the incident. The ambulance was struck near the driver’s side door and front bumper yet appeared to have minor damage.

Neither the patient riding in the back of a Waldoboro Ambulance, nor the EMTs were injured April 7 after being involved in a motor vehicle crash at Routes 131 and 90, according to Knox County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Curt Andrick in an April 8 follow up.

The ambulance, operated by Rohobot Carlson, of Owls Head, was heading westbound on Rt. 90 with its emergency lights and siren activated.

Deputies determined that a 2016 Toyota Tacoma, operated by Tena Wallace, of Spruce Head, was northbound on Rte 131 when it entered the intersection from a stopped position at approximately 4:45 p.m., and struck the ambulance, according to Andrick.

The vehicles were towed by Creek Hill and Hillside Collision.

The accident remains under investigation.

Earlier in the day, just prior to noon, South Thomaston Fire and Ambulance, as well as KCSO deputies were called to Grierson Road after a vehicle struck a utility pole, breaking the pole in half, and leaving wires dangling approximately 10 feet from the ground. Central Maine Power linesmen were called in to repair the utility damage. The sole occupant of the vehicle was able to self extricate prior to arrival of personnel.

Thursday evening, Heald Highway, in Union, was closed due to a two vehicle crash near Union Farm Equipment. Deputies are still investigating that case as well.