February 24

Fiery crash destroys two tractor trailers at turnpike rest stop

By Beth Quimby bquimby@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

A tractor trailer burst into blames following a collision with another tractor trailer at the Kennbunk rest area on the Maine Turnpike Saturday night.

Maine State Police said Don Johnson, 78, of East Corinth may have suffered a diabetic seizure as he was exiting the turnpike into the rest area at about 8:30 p.m. His truck crashed into a parked tractor trailer operated by Myles Whynot, 58, of Quipamsis, New Brunswick.

Both drivers were treated for cuts and bruises at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.

The diesel fuel tanks ruptured and ignited on impact. Other motorists at the rest area freed Johnson from the truck before the fire reached the cab. Johnson’s dog was killed in the fire.

Johnson’s truck was empty and Whynot’s was hauling a plow assembly. Both trucks were destroyed, police said.

The rest area remained open throughout the incident, police said.

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…