Maine man dies after crashing motorcycle into utility pole in Wales

A Maine man is dead after crashing a motorcycle into a utility pole along Route 197 in Wales, according to authorities.Steven A. Caouette, 51, of Litchfield, was identified as the victim of the fatal crash by the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office.The Sheriff's Office said a 911 call reporting the motorcycle crash on Route 197, also known as Litchfield Road, came into the Androscoggin County Regional Communications Center at about 6 p.m. Wednesday. Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash scene, along with personnel from the Wales Fire Department, Sabattus Fire and Police departments and United Ambulance Service.First responders said Caouette was ejected from the motorcycle as a result of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Officials said the impact caused the utility pole to break and fall into the roadway, which rendered Route 197 impassable for a period of time.According to investigators, Caouette was traveling toward Litchfield when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. As a result, his motorcycle left the travel lane and struck the pole.The crash remains under investigation. Officials said a detective from the Sheriff's Office responded to the scene to help with crash reconstruction.