AUGUSTA — Multiple vehicles were involved in an accident when a gigantic pothole opened in a southbound lane of Interstate 95 this afternoon. No one was seriously hurt.

Police said one person was taken to hospital with minor injuries, but at least five vehicles were damaged including a sport utility vehicle that overturned. Two other vehicles collided.

The pothole caused flat tires on at least two other vehicles.

The pothole, which opened up under the Old Winthrop Road overpass sometime around 2:30 p.m., was about 15 feet long, 2 feet wide and 8 inches deep, according to police.

Maine Department of Transportation Crews had fixed the pothole this week and had checked it earlier in the day, according to a department spokesman.

The pothole has since been patched again.

Traffic continued to flow through one lane, but motorists may wish to use alternate routes between Augusta and Waterville, such as U.S. Route 201 or Route 104.

Look for a full report in Saturday’s Kennebec Journal.