URGENT UPDATE: A tragic snowmobile crash in Washburn, Maine has claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl. The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on January 13, 2024, as confirmed by the Maine Warden Service.
According to officials, the girl was riding as a passenger on a snowmobile driven by a 17-year-old boy. The snowmobile was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when it failed to navigate a 90-degree turn on Story Street. The vehicle struck a curb, flipped over, and ejected both teenagers before colliding with the side of a nearby house.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the girl was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The boy sustained multiple injuries and was initially taken to Cary Medical Center in Caribou, before being transferred to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Both teens were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, officials noted.
The identities of the victims are being withheld as the incident remains under investigation. The Maine Warden Service is leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Emergency services, including Presque Isle EMS, Presque Isle Fire and Rescue, and the Presque Isle Police Department, responded promptly to the scene to provide assistance.
This heartbreaking incident raises critical questions about safety protocols for young riders and the dangers of high-speed snowmobiling. As authorities continue to investigate, the community mourns the loss of a young life and the impact this tragedy will have on friends and family.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
