Bangor, ME (February 21, 2026) – One person was injured in a chain-reaction crash on Friday on Interstate 95 in Bangor. The collision occurred southbound near Exit 182 and temporarily reduced traffic to one lane.
According to state police, a tractor-trailer traveled onto the shoulder, which caused a large amount of dust to fill the air. A vehicle behind the tractor-trailer then came to a complete stop in the roadway. Moments later, another vehicle struck the stopped car from behind.
Emergency units responded to the scene and assisted those involved. Officials said the driver of the vehicle that rear-ended the stopped car was taken to the hospital with a leg injury. No other injuries were reported.
Traffic in the southbound lanes was slowed while crews worked to clear the area. The incident remains under review by authorities. We are thinking of the injured driver and wish them a full recovery.
How Chain-Reaction Crashes Develop on Highways
Chain-reaction crashes often begin with a sudden change in traffic flow. When a vehicle slows or stops unexpectedly, drivers behind may have little time to react. On busy highways like I-95, even a brief obstruction can quickly lead to multiple vehicles becoming involved.
Dust, smoke, or debris in the air can reduce visibility and make it harder for drivers to judge distance. In these situations, maintaining a safe following distance becomes even more important. Extra space allows drivers more time to brake safely if traffic ahead stops.
Rear-end crashes are common in chain reactions because drivers may not anticipate a full stop in a travel lane. Paying attention to road conditions, watching brake lights ahead, and reducing speed in limited visibility can help lower the risk of similar collisions.
