The crash, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, involved a tractor-trailer colliding with a freight train on Route 11 in Masardis, Maine. The driver of the truck, a 26-year-old man, was seriously injured in the crash and had to be taken to a hospital for treatment. Additionally, his dog, who was traveling with him, was also injured in the collision and had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries. Fortunately, no one on the train was harmed during the incident.
The Department of Public Safety reported that the truck driver was unable to stop at the railroad crossing as the train was passing, leading to the collision. The train cars that were struck by the tractor-trailer were empty at the time of the accident. Following the crash, Route 11 was closed to allow for the cleanup of the wreckage. Heavy machinery, including a crane, was brought in to clear the site of the crash, and the road was reopened the following morning. The department initially anticipated that it would take two to three days to completely clear the area.
The crash serves as a reminder of the dangers of failing to obey traffic signals at railroad crossings. It is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to all safety regulations when approaching railway tracks to prevent accidents like this from occurring. The incident also highlights the importance of proper pet safety while traveling, as the driver’s dog suffered fatal injuries in the collision. Authorities are urging motorists to stay vigilant and alert when driving near railroad crossings to avoid potential collisions with trains.
It is unclear at this time whether any charges will be filed in connection with the crash, as the investigation is still ongoing. The details of the events leading up to the collision are being carefully examined to determine the cause of the accident. The Department of Public Safety is working to gather all relevant information and evidence to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragic crash on Route 11. Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.
The community of Masardis, Maine, where the crash took place, is coming together to support the injured driver and mourn the loss of his beloved pet. The incident has left a somber mood in the small town, as residents reflect on the impact of the collision. Local officials are urging residents to drive safely and be mindful of their surroundings to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community is also expressing gratitude that there were no additional injuries or fatalities as a result of the crash, as the situation could have been much worse.