BELFAST — Two people were taken to area hospitals following a three-vehicle accident on Route 1, Jan. 15, according to Belfast Police Chief Gerry Lincoln. 

The crash took place around 4:30 p.m. near Don Foshay’s Discount Tire and occurred when a vehicle being operated by Paul Gibbons, 71, of Lincolnville, reportedly crossed the centerline for unknown reasons, police said.

Gibbons, who was traveling southbound in a black SUV, first had a minor collision with a pickup truck being driven by Justin Moody, 30, of Belfast, who was traveling northbound, police said. He then hit the car traveling directly behind Moody head-on. 

That vehicle, a Chrysler 200, was operated by 21-year-old Kyle Moore, of Frankfort, who suffered the most serious injuries in the crash, according to Lincoln. 

Moore had to be extricated from his vehicle using the Jaws of Life and was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Gibbons was reportedly taken to Waldo County General Hospital by ambulance, but is now being treated at NLEMMC. 

Both Gibbons’ and Moore’s vehicles were totaled in the wreck. The truck being operated by Moody sustained minor damage. 

Route 1 was closed while the crash scene was cleared, which concluded at approximately 6:20 p.m.

As of Jan. 19, Moore has been released from the hospital, while Gibbons is listed in stable condition. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com