Oxford County, ME — January 28, 2025, Ira Gibson was killed in a truck accident at about 6:30 a.m. on State Route 119/Hebron Road.

Authorities said a semi-truck lost control near Halls Pond Road and crashed into a guardrail and some trees.

Driver Ira Gibson, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this point. The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about a crash where a semi-truck leaves the roadway and strikes a guardrail and trees, my first question is, “What caused the driver to lose control?” Many people assume that these incidents are just the result of driver error, but in my experience, crashes like this often involve multiple factors that need to be carefully examined.

One of the first things investigators should determine is whether road conditions played a role. This crash happened early in the morning in Maine, where icy roads and reduced traction can be a serious concern. If the road surface was slick, investigators should look at whether the truck’s tires were in good condition and whether the driver adjusted their speed appropriately for conditions.

Another key factor is mechanical issues. Was there a brake failure, tire blowout or steering problem that contributed to the crash? I’ve handled cases where maintenance issues — like worn-out brakes or improperly inflated tires — made it much harder for a driver to recover from a skid or sudden obstacle. Investigators should inspect the truck’s maintenance records and mechanical condition to rule out equipment failure as a contributing factor.

Speed is also worth considering. Was the truck traveling too fast for the curve or road conditions? Sharp turns, downhill grades or poorly banked roads can make it easier for a truck to lose control, especially if it was going faster than the conditions allowed. Reviewing ECM (black box) data from the truck could help determine how fast it was going before the crash.

At this stage, too little is known to determine exactly what caused the truck to leave the roadway, but that’s why a full investigation is necessary. Looking beyond the crash scene will be key to understanding how this wreck happened and whether anything could have been done differently to prevent it.