LEWISTON — A crash involving an SUV and a residential home on Old Lisbon Road resulted in one fatality on May 21.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., Blaze Smalls, 25, lost control of his vehicle, which collided with the house at 4 Old Lisbon Road, fatally injuring passenger Natasha Thoits, 28. The impact destroyed the structure, displacing 86-year-old homeowner Claudette Dumont, who narrowly escaped.
This incident marks the second vehicle strike on the Dumont home in 2023; the first in January displaced the family and notably affected Claudette's late husband, Paul, who died later that year. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the driver sustained only minor injuries and has not yet been charged, according to authorities.
Following the crash, Claudette Dumont's daughter, Denise, addressed the Lewiston City Council on June 3, advocating for safety measures on a sharp curve at Webster Street. Proposed solutions include speed bumps and warning signs, which Denise argued would cost under $5,000.
City officials acknowledged the need for action, with Mayor Carl Sheline stating that speeding remains a concern. However, there have been no recent improvements to address these hazards.
Claudette, now unable to live in her home, faces financial uncertainty. Denise submitted a request for a property tax abatement due to the home's condemned status, but was informed it would require further review.
Claudette currently resides with Denise, using a walker to navigate their two-story home.