Gardiner, ME (June 25, 2026) – A Maine Department of Transportation worker was hurt on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, after being hit by an SUV on Interstate 295 northbound in Gardiner. The crash happened around 1:45 p.m.
Investigators said three transportation workers were clearing tire debris from the road. Two workers were inside a truck with warning lights on in the breakdown lane.
A third worker, a 57-year-old Lewiston man, got out to remove the debris. He was then hit by an SUV driven by a 39-year-old Gardiner woman.
The worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The driver’s injury status was not reported. Investigators are reviewing the facts surrounding the crash on northbound Interstate 295.
We hope the injured worker receives steady care and recovers safely.
Why Roadside Work Zones Can Be Dangerous
Roadside work zones can be risky because workers may be close to fast-moving traffic. Even when warning lights are active, drivers may need extra time and space to notice a stopped truck or workers near the road.
Debris removal can also place workers near travel lanes or shoulders. Tire pieces, broken parts, and other hazards may need to be cleared quickly so they do not cause another accident.
Drivers passing work trucks should slow down, watch for people outside vehicles, and move over when safe. After a roadside crash, investigators may review vehicle position, warning lights, traffic flow, and where the worker was standing before more details are gathered.
