TV Report on Balloon Launch

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

May 11, 2012 UMaine in the News

Bangor TV station WABI reported on Wednesday’s balloon launch in Farmington, which involved UMaine faculty members and students. The UMaine representatives worked with students from Maine Maritime Academy and USM to help high school students launch giant scientific balloons as part of an experiment to see how different living organisms react to high altitudes. UMaine mechanical engineering student Michael Ostromecky, who was interviewed for the report, said he was glad to see schools working hard to get kids interested in science and math. Rick Eason, a UMaine professor of electrical and computer engineering, is the advisor for UMaine’s student ballooning group.

Contact: Jessica Bloch, (207) 581-3777