One driver is dead and another driver is charged with drunken driving following a fiery head-on collision in Strong on Tuesday night, police said.

The 2005 Chevrolet pickup truck whose driver died was registered to a Wilton resident, according to a news release from Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols. Police did not immediately released the name or gender of the victim.

The driver of the other vehicle, Mark Garner, 24, of Rangeley, was arrested at the scene on a Class B felony charge of operating under the influence resulting in death. Speed is believed to be another factor in the crash, Nichols said.

Garner was not hurt in the crash, but two passengers in his 2007 GMC pickup truck suffered injuries. There were taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, where they were treated and released Tuesday night, according to hospital spokeswoman Jill Gray.

The crash on Lambert Hill Road was reported around 7:46 p.m. to Franklin County dispatch. When Franklin County Deputy Andrew Morgan arrived, he found two pickup trucks on fire.

Garner and his passengers were able to exit their burning vehicle. However, the driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was unable to escape.

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A preliminary investigation revealed that Garner was driving too fast, headed north downhill on Lambert Hill Road, according to passengers in his vehicle.

Garner’s vehicle then crossed the center line, colliding with the southbound Chevrolet, Nichols said.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner was working to determine the cause of death and identity of the deceased driver.

Franklin County Lt. David St. Lauren, Sgt. Matt Brann and Deputy District Attorney James Andrews are overseeing the investigation. Sgt. Kevin Hartley and Detective Kenneth Charles are reconstructing the crash.


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