Maine Man Seriously Injured in Crash While Trying to Shield Young Woman From Injury

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, the Maine State Police are investigating a serious crash that happened Monday evening on Interstate 95 northbound near mile marker 189 in Veazie.

According to authorities, the incident began around 7:02 p.m. when an 18-year-old woman from Bangor lost control of her 2013 Kia Sorento in snowy road conditions. The SUV came to rest in the median, and the driver got out, moving behind the guardrail for safety.

A 54-year-old man from Medford, who had been traveling with his wife, stopped to help. He joined the young driver behind the guardrail while his wife called 911.

While they were standing there, a second crash unfolded. Police say a 19-year-old woman from Old Town lost control of her vehicle in the snow and struck both pedestrians. Investigators believe the man may have tried to shield the young driver just before impact.

Both were thrown down an embankment. The 18-year-old suffered minor injuries, while the man was seriously hurt and remains in critical condition. The second driver also sustained minor injuries.

Speed does not appear to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The identities of those involved have not yet been released.