Millinocket, ME — January 1, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 7:45 a.m. on Outer Central Street/State Route 157.

Authorities said an SUV was heading west when it spun out of control on the icy road and was hit by an eastbound propane truck near Rice Farm Road. Both vehicles left the road after the collision.

The SUV driver, a 28-year-old Millinocket man, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public yet.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Penobscot County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear about a fatal crash involving a passenger vehicle and a propane truck, they often assume it must have been unavoidable, especially when icy roads are involved. But ice alone doesn't explain how or why this collision occurred. Was it just bad luck, or was someone driving too fast for the conditions? Could something, or someone, have prevented it?

From what's been reported, an SUV traveling west on Outer Central Street lost control and was hit by an oncoming propane truck. We don’t yet know whether the SUV crossed into the truck’s lane, or if the truck drifted across the center line. That’s not a small detail; it’s central to understanding what happened here and who, if anyone, is responsible.

Even when weather plays a role, that doesn’t automatically clear everyone of fault. Drivers — especially those operating 18-wheelers carrying hazardous materials like propane — are expected to adjust their driving to match road conditions. That includes slowing down, increasing following distance and in some cases, postponing travel altogether.

It’s not clear yet what steps either driver took, or didn’t take, leading up to the crash. Depending on whether the SUV lost control first or was reacting to the truck’s movement, different questions arise. That’s why evidence matters.

In a crash like this, there are several key sources of information that can help fill in the gaps:

• Dash cam footage (if either vehicle was equipped) could show the exact sequence of events.
• The truck’s engine control module, its "black box," can reveal whether the truck was speeding, braking or making any abrupt maneuvers.
• Driver logs and phone records might show if distraction or fatigue played a role.
• Scene evidence like tire marks and vehicle resting positions can clarify who crossed the center line and when.

There’s also a broader layer of accountability worth considering. Was the truck properly maintained for winter driving? Was the driver trained to operate safely on icy roads? What company policies govern when their trucks are allowed to run in poor weather? These are questions we’ve had to dig into many times in my own cases, and more often than not, they lead to answers that aren’t in the police report.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s not yet clear which vehicle crossed into the other's path, an essential fact in determining fault.
• Ice may have contributed, but that doesn’t rule out preventable driver or company errors.
• Black box data, dash cams and physical evidence will be critical to understanding what happened.
• Truck drivers and their employers have a duty to adjust for road conditions, especially when hauling hazardous materials.
• Getting to the truth requires more than weather reports; it demands a thorough, independent investigation.