Three Hospitalized After Head-on Crash on Route 1 in Westfield [UPDATE]

Three people, including a couple from Caribou, were hospitalized with serious injuries after a head-on collision on Route 1 in Westfield Friday morning.

Maine State Police say 77-year-old Charles Beidelman of Caribou was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze south on Route 1 around 7:30 a.m. when a northbound vehicle apparently crossed over the center line into his lane.

Mr. Beidelman tried to avoid the other car – a 2011 Mazda operated by 25-year-old Kristen Cook of Bangor – but his vehicle was struck on the front passenger's side, according to Sgt. Chadwick Fuller. Beidelman's wife, 67-year-old Linda Beidelman was a passenger in the car.

Members of the Mars Hill Fire Department, Crown Ambulance Service and Presque Isle Rescue responded to the accident. The Jaws of Life were used to free the occupants of the vehicles, Fuller stated. All three were wearing their seat belts.

The three were taken to The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle where they were all treated for broken bones and internal injuries. Kristen Cook and Linda Beidelman were later flown by Crown Critical Care Transport to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Mrs. Beidelman passed away from her injuries on Saturday.

The accident remains under investigation. State Police say speed was not a factor.