One Killed in Route 66 Crash in Portland

One person is dead and another was injured in a one-car crash that closed Route 66 between Payne Boulevard and Depot Road in Portland on Sunday night.

The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. in what is known as the Ledges area of Portland, where there are several blind curves in the road and large boulders off to the side.

The driver, 52-year-old Donald Sorvillo of East Hampton, died in the crash. His brother, Robert Sorvillo, 51, was in the passenger's seat and is in critical but stable condition, police said.

It's the second fatal crash on Route 66 in Portland since September.

The car, a Dodge Dart, was traveling westbound, crossed over into oncoming traffic and veered off the road, striking a pole and tree before traveling down an embankment, according to police. Both people were ejected on impact.

Robert Sorvillo was transported by LifeStar to Saint Francis Hospital.

Emergency officials from nearby towns, including East Hampton, assisted Portland police at the scene.

Scott Nelson, who owns a nearby pizzeria, said it's a dangerous stretch of road.

"There seems to be an accident quite frequently, especially by the ledges over there," Nelson said.

Police are investigating to figure out where the Sorvillos were headed and whether any mechanical problems played a part in the crash.

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