WATERVILLE, Maine (WGME) — Numerous cars were involved in car crashes that left one woman dead in Waterville.
On November 25, 2022 at approximately 7:19 pm, the Augusta Regional Communications Center received numerous calls reporting multi-vehicle crashes in both North and Southbound lanes of I-95 in Waterville due to icy roadways on the Messalonskee bridge.
Michelle Demchak, 59, of Madison was driving a Ford escape and stopped to render aid to render aid to the occupant of a 2014 Hyundai Accent sedan that crashed into the bridge barrier. A 39 year old driving a 2015 Ford F-150, towing a car carrier, entered the crash area and struck Demchak who was standing nearby the car pile up.
Despite all efforts by the emergency responders, Demchak was pronounced dead at the scene.
The North and Southbound lanes were shut down by the Maine State Police for approximately 2.5 hours. Several area agencies responded to the crashes including the Maine Warden Service, Waterville PD, Fairfield PD, and Clinton PD. Additionally, the Waterville Fire Departments, Winslow Fire Departments and Delta Ambulance provided emergency medical aid to victims involved in the crashes.
According to the police, three people were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The Maine Department of Transportation helped coordinate the cleanup with local towing services.
The police say 10 crashes were reported between North and Southbound lanes. The fatal crash is still under investigation by the State Troopers and Crash Reconstruction.
According to police, preliminary information suggests that imprudent speed during poor road conditions appear to have contributed in all of the crashes.
