Maine State Police Release Details About I95 Multi-Vehicle Crash

Maine State Police say a multi-vehicle crash on I-95 in Bangor Thursday was caused by someone who stopped in the passing lane.

Where Was the Crash?

The crash happened at Mile Maker 183 in the northbound lane of I-95. That's the Hammond Street exit in Bangor. Officials are now saying there were 9 vehicles affected by the incident but there was a 10th driver, who caused the crash and whose own vehicle wasn't hit. Injuries are said to be minor.

Has the Road Reopened?

Both travel lanes are now reopened to traffic, after multiple tow trucks worked to clear the vehicles out of the roadway.

What Caused the Crash?

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says the incident began when a driver suddenly stopped her vehicle in the passing lane, when she came upon a State Trooper making a routine traffic stop on the left side of the interstate. This caused the driver behind her to stop, at which point the second car was struck from behind by the vehicle following it. That started a chain reaction that quickly involved 9 vehicles. The woman driving the original car that stopped was not hit and was able to continue driving. Police say the driver of the second car was not able to get a good description of the vehicle that left the scene.

One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Maine State Police remind drivers that they should never stop in an active travel lane or road. Drivers traveling in the left lane should move over or slow down for emergency vehicles, transportation crews, or any disabled vehicle. Drivers in the passing lane should stay alert and follow the flow of traffic.

We'll update this story as more details become available.