BANGOR, Maine - Maine State Police say one lane of Interstate 95 in Etna is now open following this morning's 40-vehicle crash. Officials say most of the wrecks have been removed.
But authorities say a few tractor trailers remain in the roadway, and motorists will have to steer around them for now. Three Maine Department of Transportation plow trucks are clearing snow that accumulated in the area this morning.
Officials say drivers who want to avoid the area should take the Newport exit and use Route 2. Maine State Police will update reporters at a news conference at 2:30 p.m. in Bangor.
State Police spokesman Steve McCausland says it appears that 25 cars were actually involved in the main pileup, in addition to a series of other wrecks leading up to that crash site. In total, he says, more than 40 vehicles were involved.
At least 17 people were injured, according to The Associated Press, and transported to Bangor area hospitals. At least two of the injured are in serious condition, officials say.
A school bus, a tractor trailer, and multiple cars collided on snow-slicked roads around 7:30. According to McCausland, there were three children on the school bus, but none of the children were injured.
Meanwhile, officials at Eastern Maine Medical Center, where 11 patients are undergoing treatment, say given the potential for catastrophe, it's lucky more people weren't hurt in this morning's pile up.
"There are some people who are hurt and who may end up needing intervention, and hospitalization and possibly surgery," says Dr. Jim Clarke, chief of surgery at EMMC. "From what I heard of what the scene looked like, we are lucky in terms of that there aren't more serious injuries."
Hospital administrators say those who believe a loved one might have been involved in the pile up should first contact the Red Cross at 207-561-6202. If a patient has been confirmed to be at EMMC, their status can be checked by calling the hospital at 207-973-8101.
