Fatal Crash Closes Southbound Lane of Maine Turnpike in Ogunquit
Ogunquit, ME – A collision involving a car, a box truck, and a tractor trailer closed the southbound lane of the Maine Turnpike on Thursday morning, resulting in two fatalities.
According to the Maine State Police, the crash occurred around 6:05 a.m. when a northbound tractor trailer, driven by Xiaoying Ma, 35, of New York City, lost control, crashed through the median guardrail, and struck two southbound vehicles.
The victims have been identified as Brian Ellis, 55, of Kittery, who was operating a Mack box truck, and Linda Huelsman, 64, of Kennebunk, who was driving a Cadillac sedan. Huelsman died at the scene, while Ellis was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Ma sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to York Hospital. The crash is believed to have been influenced by snowy conditions; the Maine Turnpike Authority had lowered the speed limit to 45 mph earlier that morning.
Authorities reported the crash occurred between mile markers 15 and 14, prompting lane closures for several hours. All southbound lanes were reopened by noon.
The York County District Attorney’s Office will review the incident to determine potential criminal charges. Emergency responders worked to clear the scene, where vehicles were obstructing all three lanes.
The Turnpike Authority also noted another unrelated crash at mile 57 in Cumberland, contributing to delays.