GOULDSBORO — A 39-year-old woman from Ellsworth was killed and three other people were hospitalized after a three-vehicle collision Sunday evening at the junction of Route 1 and Old Route 1, Maine State Police said.
The crash occurred about 6:55 p.m., when a northbound Subaru Crosstrek failed to stop at a stop sign on Old Route 1 and struck a Chevrolet TrailBlazer driven eastbound on Route 1 by Heather Allen of Ellsworth, authorities said. The impact spun Allen's SUV into the westbound lane, where it was struck by a Subaru Legacy traveling west on Route 1. Allen was pronounced dead at the scene.
What investigators say
State police described the sequence of events in a preliminary report: the Crosstrek entered the intersection through a posted stop and collided with Allen's TrailBlazer. The first impact forced Allen's vehicle into oncoming traffic, where a second collision caused the TrailBlazer to roll over. Police said the driver of the Crosstrek was a 46-year-old woman from Bangor. The ages and hometowns reported reflect information released by investigators.
Police said a passenger in Allen's SUV suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. The drivers of the Crosstrek and the Subaru Legacy also were transported for treatment; state police said both were taken to hospitals but did not release details about their injuries. The investigation remains active.
Local impact and travel
The intersection at Route 1 and Old Route 1 is a frequently traveled location along coastal Hancock County, and crashes there can quickly back up traffic during evening hours. Authorities closed portions of Route 1 while first responders worked the scene, though police did not immediately provide a timeline for reopening the roadway.
Motorists traveling the corridor should expect delays and use caution around intersections where traffic from side roads meets the main highway. Law enforcement often reminds drivers to observe stop signs and yield where required; failure to do so remains a common factor in serious collisions.
Victim and community
Allen's death marks a tragic loss for the Ellsworth community. Police identified her as the driver of the TrailBlazer; no other identifying information was released Sunday night. Officials typically await family notification before releasing further personal details.
Local emergency personnel and state troopers handled rescue and traffic control at the scene. Maine State Police said their investigation into the crash is ongoing; accident reconstruction units commonly examine vehicle positions, witness statements and any available video or physical evidence to determine fault and contributing factors.
- Time: about 6:55 p.m. Sunday
- Location: Route 1 and Old Route 1, Gouldsboro
- Vehicles involved: Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Subaru Legacy
- Fatality: Heather Allen, 39, Ellsworth — pronounced dead at scene
- Injuries: passenger in Allen's vehicle non-life-threatening; both other drivers hospitalized
| Vehicle | Driver (age, town) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | 46, Bangor | Collided at stop sign; driver hospitalized |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | 39, Ellsworth (Heather Allen) | Rolled over; driver pronounced dead |
| Subaru Legacy | Not released | Struck westbound lane; driver hospitalized |
State police will lead the inquiry into fault and any potential charges, a process that may include toxicology tests and interviews with witnesses and the surviving drivers. Crash investigations in Maine can take days or longer depending on the complexity of the scene and whether additional information emerges.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has video or dash-cam footage is asked to contact the Maine State Police. Providing such evidence can assist investigators as they piece together the final moments leading to the crash.
This article will be updated as authorities release additional information.
