West Gardiner Crash: Driver Swims to Safety After Vehicle Lands in Cobbosseecontee Stream

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a Maine State Trooper responded to a serious crash on I-295 southbound near the West Gardiner/Gardiner line, where a vehicle left the roadway and entered the Cobbosseecontee Stream.

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety, Trooper Tom Bureau of Troop I arrived within minutes and was informed by a witness that the vehicle was fully submerged and the driver had not resurfaced. Acting quickly, Trooper Bureau removed his duty gear and entered the water in an attempt to reach the driver.

He swam approximately seven feet underwater and was able to locate the vehicle, but thick oil in the water prevented him from opening the door. Shannon Moss said that Trooper Bureau remained in the water for several minutes before learning that the driver had already escaped and swum to a nearby residence.

The driver, identified as 27-year-old Brandon Nale of Winslow, was transported to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta with non-life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation indicates Nale fell asleep while driving his 2020 Audi sedan, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway, strike a sign and concrete barrier, and enter the stream.

The Maine State Police Dive Team assisted in recovering the vehicle. During the recovery, the left lane of I-295 was closed for approximately one hour.

State Police were assisted on scene by Gardiner Fire & Rescue, West Gardiner Fire Department, Maine DOT, and AC Towing.