PHIPPSBURG

A 43-year-old Phippsburg man and a 3-year-old child were injured in a crash on Route 209 early Monday, but police credited properly installed child-safety seats for minimizing casualties.

The crash was reported at 8:22 a.m.

Chief Deputy Brett Strout of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department said Edward Guthro, 43, of Phippsburg was driving a 2004 Subaru on Route 209 near the Phippsburg Sportsman Club when he lost control, drove into the soft shoulder then traveled back into the roadway and struck a tree near Clifford Road.

Strout said two children — a 3-year-old and a 7-monthold, believed to be Guthro’s grandchildren — were secured in safety seats in the back seat.

The vehicle sustained impact on the right rear passenger side door nearest the 3- year-old.

All three were taken to Mid Coast Hospital, Strout said. He didn’t believe any injuries were life-threatening.

As of 1 p.m. Strout said Guthro was still in the hospital. The 3-year-old sustained some injuries and was taken to the hospital to be checked over. The 7- month-old was released.

Strout said that, according to Cpl. Ian Alexander who is investigating the crash, the child-safety seats were properly secured and significantly reduced the extent of injuries sustained by the two children.

The cause and factors contributing to the crash remain under investigation. The Bath Police Department is reconstructing the crash for the sheriff ’s department.

Strout said Phippsburg Fire and Rescue and Bath Rescue also responded.

¦ CHIEF DEPUTY Brett Strout of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department said Edward Guthro, 43, of Phippsburg was driving a 2004 Subaru on Route 209 near the Phippsburg Sportsman Club when he lost control.