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Jammed radio transmissions hamper Maine responders at wreck

The interference that delayed the response of additional paramedics and four ambulances is under investigation by the FCC

Sun Journal

LEBANON, Maine — Officials say the Federal Communications Commission will investigate after radio transmissions by emergency workers were intentionally jammed following a four-vehicle crash in Lebanon that injured 11.

Lebanon’s Assistant Rescue Chief Jason Cole said because of the interference, the arrival of four extra ambulances at the scene was delayed several minutes.

Cole said the accident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. Sunday. He said when the first emergency worker to arrive tried to report in, he couldn’t get through.

He said the interference stopped after dispatchers said over the air that it was being traced. Under federal law, jamming emergency radio frequencies is punishable by fines or prison.

Police said the crash happened after a car that stopped to turn left was hit from behind.

A 102-year-old man survived the crash, but was hospitalized.

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