Unauthorized Crossover Use Leads to 4-Vehicle Crash on I-295 in Maine

A Vermont woman is facing charges after Maine State Police say she caused a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Yarmouth and then left the scene.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, Troopers responded to the crash Friday, April 3, 2026, around 4:18 p.m. on the southbound side of I-295. Following a preliminary investigation, police say the crash happened when a vehicle traveling southbound used an “authorized vehicles only” crossover to enter the northbound lanes.

That maneuver triggered a chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles, according to Maine State Police.

Authorities say the driver who caused the crash left the scene before troopers arrived. However, a witness was able to take a photo of the vehicle, described as a black 2026 Jeep Compass, including the license plate.

Using that information, troopers identified the vehicle and its owner as 31-year-old Emily-Ann Kittredge of Lyndonville, Vermont.

Police later located Kittredge in Portland, where she was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident and additional motor vehicle violations.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the crash. Officials say the roadway was cleared quickly and all lanes were reopened to traffic.

Maine State Police are also reminding drivers that authorized vehicle crossovers are reserved for emergency and maintenance vehicles only. Unauthorized use of these crossovers creates significant safety risks for everyone on the road.