A Maine woman is facing serious charges after police say that she deliberately drove into the path of a semi truck yesterday, causing a crash.
The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Route 1 in Woolwich.
Police say that 36 year old Sandra Francis was driving a Ford Focus north on Route 1 when she veered directly into the path of a southbound truck hauling 34 tons of powdered cement. Police believe Francis intentionally acted to cause a head on collision.
According to Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, “The truck driver made every attempt to avoid the collision and ended up wedged against a line of guardrails.”
The truck reportedly crashed through about 200 feet of guardrails. On the other side of the guardrail was a steep drop into water below. Woolwich Fire Chief Michael Demers praised the skill of the truck driver for keeping the truck from plunging down the embankment.
The 66 year old truck driver, Robert Martin, was luckily not hurt in the crash.
Francis was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Merry stated, “If not for the actions of the truck driver, this would likely have been a fatal crash.”
Francis has been charged with Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon, Operating Under the Influence and Driving to Endanger. She will appear in court on January 10, 2017.
The crash is still under investigation.
Route 1 was closed for over 6 hours for cleanup.
Sources:
The Lincoln County News
The Times Record