Eight Injured in Head-on Collision in Shin Pond Area

Eight people were injured in a head-on collision Sunday morning in unorganized territory just west of Shin Pond, on the way to Baxter State Park.

Maine State Police say a 2016 Nissan Altima, driven by 27-year-old Gurprasad Singh of India was traveling west on the Shin Pond Road around 10:45 a.m. A 2013 GMC Sierra, operated by 68-year-old Douglas Kelshaw of Glenburn, Maine was towing a trailer with a 4-wheeler and traveling east.

As the Nissan came around a very sharp left hand corner, the driver went into the opposite lane as they are apparently used to doing in India, according to Sgt.Chad Fuller. Kelshaw tried to avoid the car by moving onto the soft shoulder of the road but the vehicles collided head-on.

Police say Singh and his four female passengers, 29-year-old Malika Thapa, 27-year-old Reema Chila, 22-year-old Hema Madaka, and 22-year-old Gayatri Kakarla, all of Boston were transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center with serious injuries.

Kelshaw and his passengers, 65-year-old Marty Peters and 69-year-old Noreen Peters of Glenburn were taken to Millinocket Regional Hospital.

Police said speed was not a factor in the crash. Three people were not wearing seat belts. The accident remains under investigation.

Tpr. Darcy, Tpr. Bell, Sgt. Fuller, Maine Forestry, Maine Warden Service, Patten Fire and  Ambulance, Island Falls ambulance, Mount Chase Fire and Milinocket Police assisted at the scene.