BRUNSWICK
A longtime Brunswick firefighter who may have fallen asleep before striking a car and killing a pregnant woman in Topsham is taking sick leave.
Following a preliminary investigation, Topsham police reported that Robert Robitaille, 52, of Lisbon, was headed west on Route 196 at around 3:30 p.m. Sunday when he either fell asleep or lost consciousness. His pickup truck drifted into the other lane, crashing head-on into a car driven by Salima Nuh, 37, of Auburn.
Nuh, who was pregnant and the mother of 10, was killed.
The crash took place near the crest of a hill between West Merrill and Roberts Hill roads.
Topsham Police Chief Christopher Lewis said this week the investigation is ongoing as police talk to witnesses, look at Robitaille’s cellphone and examine all aspects of the crash.
A final report will include a crash reconstruction by Maine State Police officers who were on scene Sunday night. The completed report will be forwarded to the Sagadahoc County District Attorney’s office for review to determine if any charges will be levied against Robitaille.
Robitaille is a firefighter and paramedic with the Brunswick Fire Department who has served 27 years, reaching the rank of captain. He is also the department’s hazardous materials respononse director.
Brunswick Fire Chief Ken Brillant said Robitaille requested time off, and is taking paid sick time.
Brillant said that, on the day of the crash, Robitaille reported to Brunswick Fire Department on a “call back” to provide station coverage for perhaps an hour while crews on duty were tied up on other calls, and was on his way home when the crash happened.
Lisbon Fire Chief Sean Galipeau said Robitaille has been a member of the Lisbon Fire Department more than 30 years, and is currently a deputy chief there.
Robitaille and the department had responded to a mobile home fire Saturday night but crews cleared the scene by 10 p.m., according to Galipeau.
As of now, Brillant said the crash has no bearing on Robitaille’s job with the Brunswick Fire Department.
Robitaille is “a very dedicated individual and we’re just hoping he can get through this,” Brillant added.
Galipeau, who has worked with Robitaille for many years during his nearly 30 years with Lisbon Fire Department, said that in the aftermath of the crash, “It’s unfortunate for everybody.”
“He’s saved more lives, and then for something so tragic,” Galipeau said of Robitaille. “ We’ll get through it and we’ ll get him through it.”
Robitaille could not be reached for comment this morning.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
A FINAL REPORT will include a crash reconstruction by Maine State Police officers who were on scene Sunday night. The completed report will be forwarded to the Sagadahoc County District Attorney’s office for review to determine if any charges will be levied against Robitaille.
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