Traffic is flowing freely now following two separate accidents on I-295 north of Portland.

The first crash occurred at about 8:00 a.m. near Exit 10 in Falmouth. Two cars slowed because of heavy traffic, causing a car behind them to slam into the second car, causing it to spin into the right lane. A fourth car tried to avoid it but was unable to. The crash caused minor injuries and major delays.

The backup from the first accident caused traffic to slow rapidly, leading to another crash, a couple of miles north when one car rear-ended another.

According to Maine State Trooper Doug Cropper, as of 9:00 the accidents were cleared and traffic was flowing smoothly on the interstate.

 

8:58 a.m.

A car crash near Exit 10 of I-295 has stalled southbound traffic during the busy morning commute.

The crash was reported shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday. Falmouth public safety dispatched a fire truck and an ambulance, though there was no immediate word on the extent of any injuries.

Motorists passing the area said at least four cars were involved and work crews had started removing the vehicles shortly before 9 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route.