Investigators are blaming a mechanical problem for the Halloween-themed hayride crash in Mechanic Falls that killed 17-year-old Cassidy Charette of Oakland and injured many others. The state fire marshal's office says investigators are trying to figure out exactly why the Jeep towing the hay wagon wouldn’t or couldn’t stop, going down a hill in the woods and struck a tree Saturday night. Investigators are also looking into whether the weight of the wagon and the people aboard contributed to the mechanical problem.

17-year-old Cassidy Charette of Oakland was killed in the crash. She was with a group of friends who travel to the farm in Mechanic Falls every autumn.Her boyfriend, 16-year-old Connor Garland, is reported to be “seriously injured,” and according to the KJ, was listed in fair condition at Boston Children’s Hospital on Sunday.  Several other of the injured remain hospitalized.

Classes are not being held today at Messalonskee High School because of the Columbus Day holiday, but the school will be open and counselors will be available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school library.

The website for the Gauntlet Haunted Hayride in Mechanic Falls says out of respect for the families, it will be closed for the rest of the season and refunds will be giving on unused tickets. (AP/centralmaine)

More From 92 Moose