Man Refused Entry at a Bar Killed in Fiery Head-On Collision in Oxford County

Maine State Police say a Massachusetts man was killed late last night when his speeding car collided with a second vehicle and burst into flames in the Oxford County town of Norway.  

Troopers said the car was being chased by a deputy from the Oxford Sheriff's Office a few minutes earlier after it was observed doing donuts in the middle of Main St in South Paris. The deputy had ended the pursuit before the crash took place.

Killed was 36-year-old William Stella from Stoneham, Massachusetts. Being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston is 42-year-old Jennifer Clough of Norway.

Troopers said Stella's speeding Nissan 350Z slammed into Clough's car on Route 118, near the Watson Road intersection, about 11:15pm. Police say Stella lost control of his car, it spun around in the road and then collided with Clough's car head on. Stella's car then came to rest in woods along the road and caught fire.

Deputy Christopher Davis attempted to pull over Stella's car in South Paris, but the vehcile took off at a high rate of speed. The crash occurred about seven miles from where the incident began.

Clough's car also caught fire. Davis and a Norway police officer were able to free Clough from the wreckage, while awaiting an ambulance.

Police say the incident began after Stella was refused entrance to the Crazy 8's bar in South Paris.  Witnesses say Stella became angry and started doing "burnouts" in the parking lot and then on Main Street, but fled the scene in his vehicle when police were called.

Oxford County Sheriff Hart Daly says a pursuit roared through Paris and Norway, but was discontinued when Stella topped 85 miles per hour and shut his lights off to avoid detection. The crash occurred just a short time later.

Norway Fire, Paris Fire, Oxford Fire Police and PACE Paramedic Services and Maine State Police assisted in the incident.

Alcohol is considered a major factor in the crash.