SOUTH THOMASTON — One operator attempting to make a left hand turn, and another operator attempting an improper pass of the first vehicle led to minor injuries to both drivers, Sunday evening, as the two vehicles collided.

A portion of Route 131 (St. George Road) in South Thomaston was closed to traffic for about an hour, Nov. 26, 2023, as a result of the 6:13 p.m. crash.

According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, a northbound 2012 Subaru Outback driven by Janine Hanson, 69, of South Thomaston, was attempting a left turn outside 725 St. George Road when a 2011 Chevy pickup truck operated by Sorale Owens, 64, of Bath, drove up behind and attempted to pass the turning Subaru.

South Thomaston Fire and EMS, along with deputies from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, were called to the scene just after 6:15 p.m. Upon arrival, responders determined that both drivers needed transport to the hospital. Because of the need for a second ambulance, St. George EMS was also requested. 

The pickup went off the road into the swampy underbrush, and sustained damage to the passenger side of the cab. The red car stopped in the shoulder and showed damage to the driver’s side door area. 

As firefighters and EMS assisted the drivers, who were the sole occupants of each vehicle, a South Thomaston fire department traffic controller stopped eastbound traffic near the veterinary hospital while St. George FD was called as mutual aid to divert westbound traffic at Kinney Woods Road. 

Automaster used two wreckers and hauled both vehicles from the scene.