Washburn Teen Severely Injured in High Speed Crash

A 16-year-old Washburn boy suffered multiple injuries Saturday morning when the car he was driving went off the road in Wade and crashed into a tree.

Maine State Police responded to the crash on the New Dunntown Road in Wade at approximately 8:15 a.m., according to Corporal Chuck Michaud.

The investigation revealed that the teen was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of a 1998 Buick Regal. The car went off the roadway and struck a large tree head-on, Michaud said. The force of impact was so severe that the vehicle was nearly split in half and burst into flames.

The accident happened a short distance from the home of Damian Languell, who heard the crash and ran out to help. Police say Languell attempted to put the fire out, but realized that the vehicle was quickly becoming consumed by flames.

Disregarding his own safety, Languell cut the teenage driver out of his seat belt, and pulled him out a rear window of the car, Michaud said. He was then able to drag the boy to safety before the entire car went up in flames.

The teen was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle by Crown Ambulance with severe injuries, including multiple fractures in both legs. his spine and face, a punctured lung and lacerations. He was later flown by plane to Eastern Maine Medical in Bangor.

State Trooper Nick Casavant is the primary investigator and he was assisted  by Corp. Chuck Michaud and Trooper Rob Flynn. Washburn Fire & Rescue also responded to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, Michaud said.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with expenses for the boy and his family.