Early Morning Crash Shuts Down Maine Turnpike in Falmouth

A two-vehicle crash on the Maine Turnpike in Falmouth early Thursday morning caused significant traffic delays and temporarily shut down all southbound lanes.

According to Maine State Police, troopers responded to the crash at approximately 2:35 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, near mile marker 56.

Investigators say a 2020 GMC SUV lost power and came to a stop in a southbound travel lane. A 2019 Freightliner tractor-trailer tanker approaching the stopped vehicle attempted to move into the right lane to avoid a collision.

The tractor-trailer struck the rear passenger side of the SUV, pushing it toward the median. The truck then tipped onto its right side.

The driver and passenger inside the SUV, along with the driver of the tractor-trailer, were transported to Maine Medical Center for evaluation. Police said no serious injuries were reported.

A small amount of diesel fuel leaked from the tractor-trailer following the crash. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was called to the scene to assist with the spill.

All southbound lanes in the area were closed while emergency crews worked to clear the crash, and traffic was diverted off the Turnpike at Exit 63.

The tractor-trailer was later removed and the scene cleared. All southbound lanes have since reopened.

Maine State Police said the crash remains under investigation.