Bridgewater ATV crash sends man to hospital

    BRIDGEWATER — A Mars Hill man suffered severe facial injuries Thursday evening while riding an all-terrain vehicle on a rail bed trail in Bridgewater.
    Kyle Flint, age 46, was riding on a 1986 Honda ATV at approximately 9:30 p.m. on the rail bed trail in Bridgewater, about nine-tenths of a mile south of the intersection with Corner Road. Flint, who was traveling north, was riding alone when he struck a tree that had fallen across the trail at head height.
    “The tree apparently fell onto the trail due to thunderstorms in the area,” said Edie Smith, spokesperson for the Maine Warden Service. “Mr. Flint stayed with the ATV traveling about 120 feet before stopping. There were no skid marks prior to the crash and the ATV’s head light was fully functioning.”
    Flint was able to call for help by dialing 9-1-1 on his cell phone. He was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle for severe injuries to his face, specifically his jaw and right eye. He was later sent via LifeFlight to EMMC in Bangor. There is no further information on his condition at this time. 
    The Maine Warden Service warns all persons riding ATV’s to use caution when riding at night and drive at a speed that allows them to avoid hazards within the range of their headlights. The Maine Warden Service continues to investigate the incident. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, Smith said.