FRENCHVILLE, Maine — A man from Madawaska died by electrocution after tripping on powerlines that landed on the roadway after the pickup truck he was traveling in struck a utility pole.
Maine State Police responded to a report of a crash on Airport Avenue in Frenchville shortly after midnight Friday. Upon arrival, police found in their initial investigation that a pickup truck traveling west apparently lost control and struck a utility pole that brought down powerlines, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said Friday in a news release.
Driver Landen Ouellette, 20, and passenger Curtis Levesque, 19, both of Madawaska, were able to get out of the vehicle after the crash. However, Levesque reportedly tripped over downed powerlines and was electrocuted with life-threatening injuries, the release states.
First responders with the Frenchville Fire Department and Madawaska Ambulance Service provided aid to Levesque, but he died from his injuries, according to the release.
Ouellette suffered minor injuries from an electric shock while attempting to help Levesque and was treated at Northern Maine Medical Center.
The investigation is ongoing, but speed and icy road conditions are believed to be factors in the crash.
Maine State Police were aided by the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office, Presque Isle Police Department, Frenchville Fire Department, Madawaska Ambulance Service, Frenchville Public Works, and Versant Power.
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