Tractor trailer units collide, catch fire on Maine Turnpike

Scene of last night's fiery collision on Maine Turnpike, seen from a MSP cruiser. (MSOP photo)

SACO, Maine - The operator of an SUV swerving in an attempt to exit the Maine turnpike at the last moment sent two tractor trailers careening into the median where they both caught fire, police said.

The spectacular crash occurred on Thursday around 10:30 p.m. at mile marker 36 southbound in Saco when a Ford Explorer attempted to take Exit 36 at the last moment, cutting off a flatbed tractor-trailer, sending it into the median.

Police say a second tractor-trailer Unit (box trailer) was unable to avoid the truck in the median and crashed into it after which both caught fire and became a total loss.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, 50-year-old Fidele Kaderi of Biddeford, was taken to a hospital with what were described as nonlife threatening injuries.

The operators of the tractor-trailer units were both uninjured.

The southbound lanes were shut down for around four hours and reopened just before 3 a.m. today. The northbound side was shut down for a short time but reopened quickly. The Saco Fire Department and Scarborough Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire. The Investigation continues and charges may be pending.