Brunswick man seriously injured in Harpswell moped crash

Louis C. Smith, 45, of Brunswick, was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon when the moped he was riding left Cundy’s Harbor Road and crashed into a ditch at the intersection with Harpswell Island Road, also known as Route 24, in Harpswell. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies said Smith was traveling north and had difficulty making the turn before going off the roadway.

Emergency responders were called around 3:50 p.m., and Cundy’s Harbor Fire/Rescue responded to the scene. Smith was taken to Maine Medical Center with serious injuries. Officials said he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Investigators did not believe alcohol was a factor, and the moped was reported to have suffered only minor damage. One follow-up report identified the vehicle as a black 2024 JIANG moped. The crash remained under investigation after the initial response.

The Harpswell wreck adds to a run of serious roadway incidents in town and serves as a hard reminder for riders moving along coastal roads in the Midcoast. A brief loss of control on a rural curve can turn into a major medical emergency, especially on routes such as Cundy’s Harbor Road and Route 24 where traffic, turns and uneven roadside conditions can combine quickly.

Smith’s injuries were serious enough to require transport to Maine Medical Center, but a later report said he was recovering. For riders from Brunswick and elsewhere in Sagadahoc County who use Harpswell roads to reach coastal destinations, the crash underscores the value of helmets, cautious speed at turns and extra attention on narrow roads where a ditch can be only a second away.