APPLETON — A Life Flight helicopter landed at the Appleton Village School early Sunday morning, Nov. 12, 2023 following a motor vehicle crash on the Searsmont Road (Route 131).

At approximately 12:10 a.m., emergency crews were alerted to a single vehicle crash at 1382 Searsmont Road, in Appleton. Upon arrival, members of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Appleton Fire Department, and Union Rescue encountered a white 2008 Toyota Corolla with its hood against a tree at the edge of the opposite, northbound, lane. With the single occupant, Josiah Swartz, 19, of Union, in need of extrication, additional assistance by Union Fire was called for, and due to the severity of visible injuries, a medical transport helicopter was called for as well.

Some members of the two fire departments worked at the lengthy extrication while other personnel established a landing zone on the school’s soccer field four miles away. After the driver was extricated, deputies took measurements around the Corolla to assist them as they continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash. 

Oyster River Towing hauled the car away.

The road reopened to traffic at approximately 2:30 a.m.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com