The driver of a vehicle in a one-car crash on Interstate 295 north of Exit 24 in Freeport Wednesday afternoon was charged with driving to endanger, while his passenger was cited for failing to wear a seatbelt, the Maine State Police said.
Paul Bigneault was seen speeding and tailgating in northbound traffic before he lost control of his 2007 Pontiac G6, hitting the center guardrail and flipping several times, said Maine State Trooper Robert Burke, who responded to the scene.
Burke said passenger John Medeiros was ejected from the car and thrown 60-70 feet. He suffered a serious head injury and was transported to Maine Medical Center, where he was in serious but stable condition Wednesday night.
Medeiros received a summons at the hospital for failure to wear a seatbelt. It was his second offense. Medeiros’ decision not to wear a seatbelt played a major role in the severity of his injuries, Burke said.
Bigneault, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries.
The crash shut down lanes in both directions near mile 26, creating major traffic delays that persisted after the wreck was cleared.
Maine State Police in Gray responded to the crash with assistance from the Brunswick and Freeport police departments.
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