Lebanon, Maine – A serious multi‑vehicle collision on Route 202 early Friday morning sent a 22‑year‑old driver flying from her pickup and trapped a father and his daughter inside a burning Ford Expedition. The crash occurred near 899 Carl Broggi Highway, prompting a swift response from the York County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Fire Department, Maine State Police and other emergency agencies.
What happened
According to investigators, Samantha Hobbs of North Berwick was traveling north in a white Chevrolet Silverado when she drifted across the center line and struck a blue Jeep Wrangler traveling south. The impact propelled Hobbs’ truck into the opposite lane, where it collided with a black Ford Expedition driven by 50‑year‑old Nestor Galarza of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The force of the crash ejected Hobbs from her vehicle. She was quickly stabilized on scene and then airlifted by Life Flight of Maine to Portsmouth Hospital for advanced care. Her condition was not immediately released.
Family members injured
Inside the Expedition, Galarza’s daughter, 12‑year‑old Rosabella Galarza, was trapped as the vehicle ignited. The family’s other vehicle, the Jeep, carried Galarza’s wife, Kelly Galarza, who escaped unharmed. All three adults and the child were rescued by fire crews and transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital, where they were later released after treatment for minor injuries.
The Galarza family was also traveling with three dogs and a cat. Animal Control officers arrived on scene, secured the pets, and confirmed that none were injured.
Emergency response
Lebanon Fire Department personnel worked to extinguish the flames on the Expedition while Maine State Police began a reconstruction of the crash. The Maine Department of Transportation deployed barricades and closed Carl Broggi Highway for roughly two hours while crews cleared the wreckage and ensured the roadway was safe for traffic.
Officials said the cause of Hobbs’ lane departure remains under investigation. Authorities are reviewing witness statements, vehicle data and road conditions to determine why the Silverado crossed into oncoming traffic.
Community impact
Lebanon residents expressed concern over the safety of Route 202, a key corridor for commuters and commercial traffic. Local officials reminded drivers to stay alert, especially during inclement weather, and to report any hazardous conditions promptly.
The incident underscores the importance of rapid emergency medical transport, such as Life Flight, which can be the difference between life and death in severe trauma cases. It also highlights the dedication of first‑responders who work tirelessly to protect both people and pets in crisis situations.
Looking ahead
The York County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police will continue their investigation, releasing findings as they become available. In the meantime, drivers are urged to observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and keep a safe following distance to prevent similar tragedies.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
