LITCHFIELD — Four people were transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening after two vehicles heading in opposite directions on Hallowell Road collided Sunday morning.

The collision happened around 10 a.m. when a 1997 Jeep Cherokee operated by Michael Gowell Jr., 26, of Richmond drifted into the opposite lane, striking a 2013 Chevrolet truck that was pulling a camper trailer, said state Trooper Greg Stevens.

Gowell was allegedly “not paying attention to the roadway, he was doing other things,” when he drifted into the opposite lane, Stevens said.

Charges are pending, Stevens added.

Gowell and his two passengers, including a boy who was 5- or 6-years-old, were injured during the accident, Stevens said.

Also injured was the driver of the truck, Charles McClain, 56, of Portland, who unsuccessfully tried to avoid the collision on the narrow road, Stevens said.

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The collision occurred just north of Richmond Road about a mile and a half south of the Litchfield Fair Grounds, where the Litchfield Fair was underway Sunday morning. Traffic was blocked on Hallowell Road for at least 45 minutes after the accident.

The accident occurred amid driving rain and lightning, but Stevens said the crash was not a result of the weather.

Responders were on the scene for at least an hour, investigating the causes of the collision and clearing the scene.

Firefighters from Litchfield and surrounding towns were initially cautious in their response, as there was a propane tank attached to the camper trailer and they worried it might leak, said Fire Chief Stan Labbe. But they were able to remove the tank safely.

 


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