Amazingly, Everyone Survived Saco Crash with 2 Rigs and an SUV

An unexpected lane change by an SUV resulted in a fiery crash between two tractor trailers.

Where Did This Happen?

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says it was around 10:30 Thursday night when State Police Troopers responded to a pair of crashes in the area of mile marker 36 southbound on the Maine Turnpike in Saco. Involved in the crash were two tractor trailers and a Ford Explorer, which was driven by Fidele Kaderi, 50, of Biddeford.

What Were the Circumstances of the Crashes?

An initial investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash indicated that the driver of the Explorer tried to take the 36 exit at the last minute, cutting off a flatbed tractor trailer. The SUV struck the big rig, sending it into the median. A second tractor trailer unit was unable to avoid hitting the first truck in the median and crashed into it. At this point, both tractor trailers caught fire.

Was Anyone Hurt?

Kaderi was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the drivers of the tractor trailers were unhurt. Police shut down the southbound lanes for about 4 hours, reopening them just before 3:00 Friday morning. The northbound lane was shut down, as well, for a short time.

Moss says the investigation into these crashes is ongoing and charges may be pending.