Man Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash on Gardiner Road Identified as Portland Resident

DRESDEN — Authorities have identified Andrew Coombs, 33, of Portland, as the man who died in a tragic three-vehicle crash on Gardiner Road on Monday. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, Coombs was driving south when his vehicle veered into the northbound lane, causing a collision that involved two other vehicles.

The crash, which occurred on Route 27, left Coombs fatally injured. The two other vehicles, both traveling north, rolled onto their roofs upon impact. One vehicle was occupied by Megan Higgins, 43, of Augusta, along with two children aged 10 and 11. The other vehicle was driven by Brad Reed, 41, of Auburn. All four individuals were transported to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Portland with internal injuries.

Fortunately, everyone involved in the crash was wearing seat belts, and the airbags in all vehicles deployed as designed, likely mitigating further injuries. The crash led to the closure of Route 27, also known as Gardiner Road, for nearly four hours. The road remained closed until approximately 6:30 p.m. as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and conduct a thorough investigation.

Reports indicate that Coombs’ driving behavior had been reported to the sheriff’s office shortly before the crash. It remains unclear what caused him to cross into the oncoming lane, and further details are being investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with crash reconstruction specialists from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office and Brunswick Police Department.

The response to the incident was extensive, with multiple agencies including Dresden Fire and Rescue, Wiscasset Fire Department, Gardiner Ambulance Service, and Woolwich Fire/Rescue all arriving on the scene. Their coordinated efforts helped manage the aftermath of the collision and ensured that the injured were quickly transported to medical care.

This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of road safety. While all individuals involved were wearing seat belts and benefitted from the protection of airbags, the collision’s impact was severe, resulting in one fatality and multiple serious injuries.

As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the crash. They aim to understand why Coombs’ vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and whether any external factors contributed to the incident. Community members and officials alike are mourning the loss of Andrew Coombs, and thoughts are with the injured victims as they recover from this devastating crash.