Portland, ME (August 31, 2026) – Three people were seriously injured in a head-on crash Saturday night, August 29, on Interstate 295 near Tukey’s Bridge in Portland, according to Maine State Police.
The crash was reported around 7:15 p.m. near Exit 8. Police said preliminary information indicates that an 88-year-old man from Nelson, New Hampshire, mistakenly entered the southbound lanes of I-295 while driving a 2020 Subaru Outback in the wrong direction.
The Subaru then collided with a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse traveling southbound. The Subaru driver, his female passenger, and the female driver of the Mitsubishi were all taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Two of the four lanes of I-295 were closed for just over two hours while crews worked at the scene. The Maine DOT Safety Patrol also assisted.
Our thoughts are with the three people injured in this crash and their families. We wish all of them a full and steady recovery.
What Makes Wrong-Way Crashes Especially Dangerous?
Wrong-way crashes are particularly dangerous because vehicles traveling in opposite directions can meet with very little warning. Head-on collisions can produce significant forces, increasing the risk of serious injuries for people inside both vehicles. Drivers should remain alert for vehicles behaving unexpectedly, especially on divided highways and highway ramps.
If a driver notices a vehicle approaching in the wrong direction, creating distance is critical. Motorists should avoid trying to confront or pass the wrong-way vehicle and, when possible, move away from its path without making a dangerous maneuver. Once in a safe location, drivers can alert emergency services so the roadway can be addressed.
Drivers can also reduce their own risk by staying focused and avoiding impaired driving. Paying attention to signs, lane markings, and roadway direction can help prevent accidental entry into opposing traffic. Extra caution is warranted when entering or exiting highways, where ramps and lane configurations can sometimes be confusing.
