ATV Crash in Maine Sends Three to the Hospital
OutdoorHub 05.27.12
Maine Game Wardens are investigating an ATV crash that took place on the Madagascal Pond Road in Lee. The crash involved several people and caused three to go to the Penobscot Valley Hospital where they were treated for injuries. At approximately 4:45 PM on May 26, Paul Boucher, age 68, of Lewiston was operating his ATV on the Madagascal Pond Road. He had two juvenile passengers on the machine with him at the time. Mr. Boucher was approaching a corner in the road when another on-coming ATV met him in the turn. Mr. Boucher was startled and quickly turned to the right and over-corrected, causing his ATV to track into the soft ditch and roll over as it struck a dirt embankment. Mr. Boucher and his two passengers became trapped under the ATV. One of the juveniles was able to free themselves but Mr. Boucher and his three-year-old grandson remained under the ATV.
Fortunately, another following ATV group witnessed the rollover and stopped to help. Rachel Dorais, age 41, of Biddeford and the 11 year old granddaughter of Mr. Boucher were providing aid when a bizarre turn of events took place next. While the three year old grandson was being extracted from under the ATV, another child at the scene grasped the accelerator of a parked but running ATV. This caused the machine to accelerate forward and it drove over Rachel Dorais and Mr. Boucher’s 11 year-old granddaughter. Paul Boucher, Rachel Dorais, and the granddaughter were transported by ambulance to the Penobscot Valley Hospital to receive medical treatment for their injuries. There is an expectation of full recovery.
The Maine Warden Service reminds everyone to not leave children on or near an ATV while unattended regardless of whether the ATV is running or not.
