ROCKLAND — A car that was involved in a motor vehicle crash in Rockland, Saturday, came to a stop completely on the sidewalk, wedged between a building, a water hydrant, a pole, and a boulder, leaving passersby wondering how the light blue car got there, and how it was able to fit into such a tight spot.

Just prior to 3:15 p.m., October 7, 2023, Knox County Communications received a report of a single-vehicle crash in which the driver was trapped in the car. However, when Rockland police, fire, and EMS arrived on scene at the intersection of Main Street and Tillson Avenue, they found that a second vehicle was also involved.

Though the incident remains under investigation, the story that has developed through listening to the drivers and witnesses is that the second (black) car was driving north through downtown Main Street in the right lane when it attempted to make a left turn onto Museum Street. At the time of the attempted turn, the blue car was driving north in the left lane. The driver’s side of the black car made impact with the front of the first car, sending the blue car onto the sidewalk at the entrance to Museum Street, hitting a large potted plant in front of a jewelry store before coming to a stop.

The driver and sole occupant of the blue car was transported to the hospital by Rockland EMS. The four occupants of the black car were uninjured.

Camden Exxon wrapped a harness to the blue car’s back wheel and dragged the rear of the car into a position where it could eventually be pulled onto the street. The wrecker hauled both cars away at the same time. 

Public works was called in with a front end loader to remove the boulder, and water at the hydrant was turned off. The hydrant will need to be replaced and the sidewalk may need some repairs. 

Main Street reopened to traffic at 4:40 p.m.

This crash occurred on a three-day holiday weekend just as rain was beginning to increase in intensity due to a storm moving up the Atlantic. 

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com