Medway Woman Killed, Husband Arrested In I-95 Crash
Mattamiscontis Fatal Crash
State Police have released more details about a fatal accident on I-95 Friday, near Lincoln.
Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says the accident happened in the southbound lane of I-95 in Mattamiscontis Township, just before 7:00 Friday evening. State Troopers say a vehicle containing 31-year-old Joshua Bell of Medway and his wife, 36-year-old Stephanie Bell drifted off the passing lane, into the median. Joshua over-corrected and the pickup overturned, coming to rest on its side, blocking both lanes.
Stephanie Bell was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the truck, as it overturned. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Bell was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Assisting State Police Troopers were Lincoln Fire and EMS, Howland EMS, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Deputies, East Millinocket Police, and the Maine DOT.
Joshua Bell was arrested on Saturday morning, after being released from the hospital, charged with drug possession. Troopers found heroin and methamphetamine at the scene of the accident. Investigators are now working to determine whether the drugs played a role in the crash.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety says 95 people have been killed in traffic crashes this year, compared to 78 deaths a year ago. Officials say a key factor in this year's increase is the number of motorcycle deaths. 20 people have died in motorcycle accidents this year, compared to 23 deaths for all of 2018.