A Deer On The Turnpike Near York Did Major Damage To 3 Vehicles Tuesday

Authorities say a deer that was in the roadway on the Maine Turnpike caused major damage to three vehicles Tuesday evening. According to the Maine State Police, the incident happened just after 7 PM at mile marker 13 near York.

State Troopers were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle accident in the southbound lane. When they got there, they were able to determine that the crash started in the middle lane of the turnpike when a red Mitsubishi Mirage collided with a deer. The compact car became disabled due to the crash, and since the driver could not safely move the vehicle from the roadway, they decided to leave it there and move to a safer spot on the side of the road. That's when the second vehicle became involved.

"Shortly after, a commercial vehicle carrying fuel crested the hill behind the crash scene and was unable to stop in time. The truck struck the disabled Mitsubishi, causing it to be pushed into the median. The impact also caused the commercial truck to veer to the right and collide with a BMW crossover vehicle. Both the truck and BMW came to rest off the right side of the roadway. "

Amazingly, the people involved in the crashes only sustained minor injuries. The deer was not so lucky and died at the scene.

Authorities say traffic was only impacted for a short time, while first responders from multiple surrounding agencies helped tend to crash victims and remove vehicles from the roadway. The southbound lane of the turnpike was reduced to one lane for a little over an hour.

The number of accidents involving moose and deer increases during the summer months, so motorists must stay vigilant and alert while traveling Maine's roadways this summer.

Read More: It's Peak Moose Collision Season In Maine