The driver of a tractor trailer truck was not injured after the truck jackknifed on Route 1 northbound a short distance beyond the Cook's Corner exit in Brunswick Monday. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUNSWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

The driver of a tractor trailer truck was not injured after the truck jackknifed on Route 1 northbound a short distance beyond the Cook’s Corner exit in Brunswick Monday. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUNSWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT

BRUNSWICK

Route 1 northbound traffic was at a standstill Monday after a tractor trailer jackknifed just past Cook’s Corner.

The crash was reported at 12:06 p.m. Brunswick first responders found the 2007 International truck in the median, with the trailer blocking most of the road.

Traffic was diverted to a single lane before Maine Department of Transportation closed the road and diverted traffic off the Cook’s Corner exit while the truck was towed from the ditch. The closure caused traffic congestion for miles. Police cleared the scene at 3:50 p.m.

The driver, 41-year-old Michael Steckino of Sabattus was not injured. Brunswick Police Cmdr. Tom Garrepy said Steckino lost control of the tractor trailer, which then went off the road into the median and struck a tree. 

Approximately 20-25 gallons of diesel spilled from a ruptured fuel tank, according to Brunswick Fire Lt. Steven Emmons. Firefighters contained the spill and the Department of Environmental Protection assisted with cleanup.

The trailer itself was nearly empty and carried only two pallets of Christmas decorations and magazines. 

No charges are pending.

This is the second time in just over a month that a tractor trailer jackknifed in that area of Route 1 northbound. A similar incident in West Bath near the Brunswick border during heavy rain closed the road for three hours Sept. 6.


Comments are not available on this story.

filed under: