A quiet Monday evening along Interstate 95 in central Maine turned into a dramatic scene of courage and tragedy when a man was critically injured while attempting to protect a young driver from harm during a second crash.
The serious incident occurred around 7:02 p.m. on the northbound side of I-95 near mile marker 189 in Veazie. Snow-covered roads had created hazardous driving conditions across the region, contributing to multiple vehicles losing control.
Authorities say the sequence of events began when an 18-year-old woman from Bangor lost control of her 2013 Kia Sorento. The SUV slid off the roadway and came to rest in the median. Recognizing the danger of remaining in the vehicle, the young driver exited and moved behind the nearby guardrail to wait safely.
A 54-year-old man from Medford, who was traveling through the area with his wife, witnessed the aftermath and chose to stop and help. The couple pulled over, and the man joined the teenager behind the guardrail while his wife contacted emergency services.
Moments later, the situation escalated.
A second vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old woman from Old Town, reportedly lost control in the snowy conditions and veered off the roadway. The vehicle struck both pedestrians who were standing behind the guardrail. Investigators believe the man may have instinctively attempted to shield the 18-year-old from the impact.
The force of the collision sent both individuals down an embankment.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene. The 18-year-old woman sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The 54-year-old man, however, suffered severe trauma and remains in critical condition as of the latest update. The second driver involved in the crash also sustained minor injuries.
Preliminary findings indicate that excessive speed does not appear to have played a role in the crash. Instead, slick road conditions are believed to have been the primary contributing factor. The incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
The identities of those involved have not yet been publicly released.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly winter road conditions can turn dangerous — and how acts of kindness, even in moments of crisis, can come with profound risk.
