UPDATED; Rochester motorcyclist in critical condition after collision with SUV

Rescue personnel tend to a motorcyclist at the scene of Monday's accident on Milton Road. (Rochester Fire Department/Courtesy photo)

©ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman is in critical condition today after her motorcycle collided on Monday with an SUV trying to make what appeared to be a U-turn on Milton Road.

Donna Smith, 56, was riding her 2002 Suzuki VL800 north in the area of Dunkin' Donuts around 12:30 p.m. when it was struck by a 2000 GMC Yukon, operated by Amanda Anderson, 28, of Rochester, according to police.

Police say it appeared that Anderson crossed the center line as if she were making a U-turn.

The accident drew a swift response from Rochester Police, Fire and Frisbie EMS, who found Smith lying in the road surrounded by motorcycle debris.

Lifeflight of Maine, which began servicing the region out of Sanford just last month, was on the scene "very rapidly," noted Rochester Fire Chief Norm Sanborn. Smith was Medflighted to Maine Med for treatment.

Police shut down the area of Milton Road and redirected traffic while emergency personnel tended to the driver of the motorcycle and the accident was investigated.

The Strafford County Regional Accident Reconstruction Team responded to further investigate the accident. That area remained shut down till late in the afternoon.

Sanborn said this was the first motorcycle crash in Rochester this riding season and urged all motorists to remember that with the improving weather, everyone using the road needs to be aware and extra cautious of motorcyclists.

The hospital spokesman reported Smith's updated condition around 2:33 p.m.