Woman Killed By Falling Tree Branch On Route 15 In Corinth, Maine

This fast-paced midday storm took many in Eastern Maine by surprise. The heavy rain and high winds toppled trees and power lines across the state.

One such incident in Corinth turned deadly when a very large branch fell onto a small sedan traveling northbound along Route 15 at around 1:15 PM, as the vehicle passed beneath it.

According to the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, a woman and two children were in the vehicle at the time the branch fell on top of it.

"The limb penetrated the windshield and struck the adult female driver. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. A youth front seat passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. A younger child who was seated in the rear of the vehicle was not injured."

We're told that both sheriff's deputies and members of the Corinth Fire Department responded immediately, despite the intensely stormy conditions taking place in the area at the time.

To complicate the matter, in addition to the intense weather conditions, the falling limb also caused power lines to detach, adding an extra element of danger to the response.

Thankfully, another person driving in the area, who witnessed the crash and could see the gravity of the situation, took it upon themselves to stop other vehicles from heading towards the dangerous area. Authorities say this action likely prevented others from becoming injured or further injuring those already impacted by the accident.

The Sheriff's Office is still investigating the incident and has not yet released the name of the woman who died. They did, however, express their condolences to her family, friends, and her community.

They said that along with the fire department, neighboring first responders, personnel from Versant Power, and folks from the Maine DOT were on hand Thursday to help with the situation in Corinth.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the community and the family members of all involved.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

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