Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up on I-295 in Falmouth Sends 3 to Hospital

An 8-vehicle pile-up on I-295 in Falmouth involved a hit-and-run in the breakdown lane and a vehicle that stopped short with traffic behind it.

Maine State Police say the incident started just after 2:30 on Wednesday, when Trooper John Darcy was investigating a hit and run crash in the breakdown lane at mile 12 northbound. One of the vehicles involved had continued traveling north, and was later located by troopers. While Trooper Darcy was speaking with the operator of the original vehicle, at mile marker 12, vehicles traveling by started slowing down. The sudden slowing of traffic caused several drivers to slam on their brakes. One vehicle stopped short, causing the vehicle traveling behind to crash into it, which started a chain reaction of rear-end collisions. By the time it was done, 8 vehicles were piled up and blocking both travel lanes.

Three people were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland by Falmouth Rescue with what police said were non-life-threatening injuries. Five vehicles were towed away from the scene by Stewart's Towing and Copp Motors. The scene was cleared in less than 45 minutes, through the cooperation of several agencies.

Police say no charges will be filed in the accident.