LEWISTON — Freezing rain began falling across the area mid-morning, sending motorists sliding off roads and streets and pedestrians slipping and falling.

By evening, the rain was still falling, roads were still slick and police were investigating a slew of crashes, including at least two fatalities.

Just after 10 a.m. in Durham, a car driven by 51-year-old Michael Connolly slid off Pinkham Brook Road. Connolly was dead when emergency crews arrived.

Witnesses said the vehicle brake lights never came on as the Kia Spectra continued travelling straight in an area where the road curves near 96 Pinkham Brook Road.

The car narrowly missed a utility pole, slid across and lawn and driveway and then struck a large pine tree, according to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department.

Witnesses also told police the car accelerated shortly before it was driven off the road. Police believe Connolly may have suffered a medical condition that contributed to the crash, although it was still being investigated by Deputy Jon Guay Wednesday night.

In Greene at about noon, a car slid off Allen Pond Road and rolled over, coming to rest upside down between a group of trees and a large rock.

When police and emergency crews arrived, they found 71-year-old Ralph Walker dead inside his car, according to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators said Walker had been driving north when he lost control of his Pontiac Bonneville roughly a half-mile from the intersection at Route 202.

Sgt. James Jacques was continuing to investigate the crash Wednesday night.

The icy conditions made their way northeast from the southern part of the state and along the coast. Just about everywhere, city and town crews contended with icy roads.

Minot Aveune and Goff Hill in Auburn were closed earlier in the morning for sanding, but reopened before 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Gray issued a severe weather advisory this morning for freezing rain until 3 p.m. in Androscoggin, Kennebec, interior  Cumberland and Waldo counties. Temperatures moved to the high twenties and low thirties.

“People should use caution travelling today,” according to the advisory. “Drive slowly and allow extra time to reach your destination. 

A spokeswoman for Central Maine Medical Center said that hospital’s emergency room had seen a spike in visitors from car accidents and slippery walking conditions.