Rollover Blocks Lanes on I-295 in South Portland

A box truck rollover caused significant traffic delays on Interstate 295 in South Portland early Monday morning after the vehicle crossed the median and overturned in the southbound lanes.

According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, State Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 4 a.m. near mile marker 2.

Investigators say the box truck was being driven northbound by 40-year-old Jose Cancel of Newport, Rhode Island, when three deer entered the roadway. Cancel reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid hitting the animals.

The truck then overcorrected, struck the median guardrail and rolled over. It crossed into the opposite side of the highway before coming to rest across the southbound travel lanes.

Cancel was not injured in the crash.

The truck was carrying household goods, and much of the cargo spilled onto the highway during the rollover. The scattered items, along with the overturned truck, blocked the southbound lanes and required an extended cleanup operation.

Troopers were able to reopen one lane of traffic, but drivers were advised to expect delays in the area while crews worked to remove the truck and clear the remaining debris.

The Maine Department of Public Safety did not immediately provide an estimate for when all southbound lanes would reopen.

The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not announced whether any charges or citations are expected.

Motorists traveling through South Portland were encouraged to slow down, use caution and consider an alternate route until the scene was fully cleared.