Hit-and-run crash probe leads to eight-car pileup on I-295

In all eight vehicles were involved in multiple pile-up (Maine State Police photo)

FALMOUTH, Maine - Multiple vehicles were involved in pileups in the northbound lane of I-295 in Falmouth Wednesday afternoon after a Maine State Trooper stopped to investigate a hit-and-run crash.

The scene unfolded near mile marker 12 around 2:40 p.m. as a trooper began investigating a hit-and-run in the breakdown lane near Falmouth. One vehicle involved in the crash had continued northbound and was later located by Troop D Troopers.

While the trooper was speaking with the operator of the vehicle at mile 12, vehicles traveling by began to slow. The sudden slowing of traffic led to several cars slamming on their brakes. One vehicle stopped short, causing a rear-end crash. Several more rear-end crashes began happening. In total, an eight-vehicle pile-up occurred, blocking both travel lanes.

Three were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland by Falmouth Rescue with what were described as nonlife threatening injuries.

In all, five vehicles were towed from the scene.

Troopers from Troop B and G assisted as well as Maine DOT and the Falmouth Fire Department.

It took some 45 minutes to clear the scene, according to Maine Dept. of Safety public information officer Katherine England.