HAMPDEN, Penobscot County, MN, Sept. 17, 2026 — A crash with injuries shut down part of southbound I-95 in Hampden early Thursday morning, September 17, according to authorities. The extent of the injuries had not been released.
Scanner traffic placed the crash near mile marker 178 on southbound I-95 in Hampden, authorities said. The call came in around 6:17 a.m., according to radio traffic monitored by local scanner accounts.
Authorities issued a traffic alert urging drivers to avoid the area while crews responded. It was not immediately clear how many vehicles were involved or how long the roadway remained affected.
The crash remains under investigation. No further details, including the number of people hurt or the cause of the crash, had been released as of Thursday morning.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
How Many Crashes Involve Large Vehicles in Highways?
Many drivers assume that crashes on interstates are mostly caused by large trucks or unusual vehicles, since those crashes tend to draw more attention. The numbers tell a different story.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. Because ordinary cars and light trucks account for the overwhelming majority of traffic on highways like I-95, they are also involved in the overwhelming majority of highway crashes, simply due to how much they are on the road.
That means most interstate crashes, including morning commute crashes like the one reported in Hampden, involve everyday passenger vehicles rather than commercial trucks or rare vehicle types. The assumption that big vehicles are the main hazard on interstates is incrongruent with how much time ordinary cars spend on those same roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes car accidents on highways?
Common factors include following too closely, distracted driving, speed that's unsafe for conditions, and sudden lane changes. Weather and traffic congestion can also play a role.
Why does speed make a difference in how bad a crash is?
Higher speed means less time to react and more force at the moment of impact. Even small increases in speed can turn a minor collision into one with serious injuries.
How dangerous is distracted driving?
Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds at highway speed means covering a long distance blind. That's often enough time to miss a slowdown or a stopped vehicle ahead.
Do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Yes. Rain, fog, and debris reduce visibility and traction, making it harder to stop or steer around a hazard, especially at highway speeds.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hampden, Maine
If you're involved in a crash on a highway like I-95, try to move to the shoulder or a safe area if the vehicle is drivable, and turn on hazard lights right away. Call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive and document the scene.
Even if injuries seem minor, it's wise to get checked by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain from a crash for hours or even days afterward. Keep a record of any medical visits, and report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you were a passenger or witness, staying with the vehicle until authorities arrive helps ensure an accurate report. Hampden's stretch of I-95 sees heavy commuter traffic, so patience and caution around any accident scene help keep everyone safe.
