STRONG — Two people were injured Monday afternoon when the car they were in drifted off the shoulder of West Freeman Road, Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. said in a release.

Cpl. Nate Reid responded to a report of an accident at 4:36 p.m.

The investigation revealed that Christopher Burnham, 27, of Farmington, was traveling north at what investigators believed to be a speed that was greater than prudent for the conditions of the road, Nichols said. Burnham lost control of the car as it drifted onto the soft shoulder of the road, which caused the car to spin sideways and roll over several times, Nichols said.

Investigators believe that neither occupant was wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash, which explained the seriousness of injuries, Nichols said.

Investigators believe that evidence at the scene and statements from witnesses and the driver indicate “alcohol was also a factor in the crash,” he said.

Amanda Race, 24, of Dexter, was transported by a LifeFlight medical helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. No other information was available Tuesday.

Burnham was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington and was treated and released, Nichols said Wednesday.

Detective Kenneth Charles and Deputy Kevin Hartley reconstructed the scene. Lt. David St. Laurent obtained a search warrant to search the vehicle for evidence of alcohol, Nichols said.

NOTE: This story has been modified since it was originally published to provide more information to readers.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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