WATERFORD — A high-speed pursuit led by an Oxford County Sheriff’s deputy ended tragically when a motorcycle collided head-on with a tractor-trailer on Sept. 30, claiming the life of the rider, authorities said.
Sergeant Timothy Ontengco was in pursuit of a Honda Goldwing motorcycle southbound on Route 93, also known as Sweden Road, around 10 a.m. when the motorcycle veered across the center line near Haskell Hill Road and crashed into the oncoming truck.
The motorcyclist, identified as 42-year-old Thomas Welch of Porter, Maine, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by Ontengco and witnesses who attempted CPR and first aid.
Welch’s 1986 Honda GL1200 was registered in New Hampshire.
The tractor-trailer, a blue 2025 Peterbilt belonging to Dube Environmental Inc. of Sidney, Maine, was operated by 52-year-old Shawn Witham of Rome, Maine.
Witham was unharmed in the incident.
Although the truck sustained damage, there were no environmental risks reported as its cargo, sewage from the Fryeburg Fair, remained contained.
Following the fatal crash, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office adhered to protocol by informing the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the Oxford County District Attorney’s Office, and the Maine State Police.
An investigation into the accident is currently underway with multiple agencies involved.
