Federal Investigators Launch Probe Into Deadly Waterville Crash

Federal investigators are launching an inquiry into a deadly Interstate 95 crash that killed two Maine Department of Transportation workers, while state police say their investigation could take weeks to complete.

According to the Kennebec Journal, The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed Wednesday it will investigate the Tuesday morning crash and is sending investigators to Maine. A spokesperson said the team is expected to arrive within the next day or two.

The victims were identified as James Brown, 60, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, both of Waterville. A third DOT worker was injured and remains unnamed, the newspaper said.

Maine State Police remain the lead investigative agency. Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said there is no set timeline, calling the crash “complex.” She said it could take a month or longer before the investigation is finished.

According to state police, the crash occurred when a Kia minivan driven by Samantha Tupper, 34, of Augusta, failed to stop at the end of the Exit 127 entrance ramp onto southbound I-95. The minivan pulled into the path of a tractor-trailer, which struck the vehicle and forced it into a work zone where it hit the DOT workers.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be reviewed by the Kennebec and Somerset counties district attorney’s office to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate, the KJ said.

The NTSB does not investigate criminal matters. Its role is to determine probable cause and examine safety issues that may have broader public significance.

DOT officials said they will conduct an after-action review of the incident. In a statement, Commissioner Dale Doughty called the crash a “painful reminder of the risks our crews face every day,” emphasizing the department’s focus on safety planning and worker protection in active traffic zones.