GREENE — A Winthrop funeral home employee transporting a body to the funeral home was killed Monday evening when the van he was driving was struck from behind by an SUV on Route 202.

Richard Charest, 59, of Winthrop, an employee of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home in Winthrop, died at the scene at about 6 p.m., according to Maine State Police.

Troopers said the van was struck from behind by a Hummer at the crest of a hill near the intersection of Daggett Hill Road. The Hummer was driven by Donald Asselin, 58, of Sabattus. Asselin sustained minor injuries but did not require immediate medical attention. 

According to authorities, the impact drove the van several hundred feet off the road, down an embankment and into a stand of trees. Both Charest and the body remained inside the Ford Flex minivan.

Traffic at the crash site was detoured for about three hours as troopers investigated the crash Monday night. Additional work took place Tuesday. State Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call the dispatch center in Gray at 657-3030.

The crash was still under investigation Tuesday night, and no further information was available. 

Maine State Police say Richard Charest of Winthrop, an employee of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home in Winthrop, died Monday night when the transport van he was driving was hit from behind while driving on Route 202 in Greene. (Maine State Police photo)