Farmington, ME — January 12, 2025, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 11 a.m. at the intersection of Fairbanks Road and New Vineyard Road.

Authorities said a semi-truck rolled over after it apparently failed to stop at the intersection north of Farmington. The crash ruptured the truck's fuel tanks.

Six people, including four children, were inside the truck, according to authorities, but only one passenger reportedly was injured. A 33-year-old woman was hospitalized with minor injuries.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash, which is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A crash involving a semi-truck rollover at an intersection raises serious questions about the driver’s actions, the condition of the vehicle and whether the intersection itself contributed to the incident. This crash is particularly concerning given the number of passengers in the truck, especially children, which is unusual for a commercial vehicle.

The first issue that stands out is why the semi-truck failed to stop at the intersection. Investigators will likely examine whether the driver was distracted, impaired, or experiencing fatigue. These are common factors in crashes where a vehicle fails to stop. Additionally, investigators should determine whether mechanical issues, such as brake failure, played a role. A thorough inspection of the truck’s maintenance records and its braking system will be critical.

The presence of six people in the truck, including four children, raises further questions. Federal regulations govern the number of passengers allowed in commercial vehicles and generally restrict non-essential passengers. Was the truck being used for personal purposes, or was it operating under circumstances that might violate these regulations? Authorities will need to clarify the context to determine if the truck’s use contributed to the crash.

The rollover and ruptured fuel tanks add another layer of complexity. Rollover crashes are often linked to high speeds or abrupt maneuvers, but cargo distribution can also play a role. Was the truck’s load properly secured and balanced, or did shifting cargo make it harder to control? The fuel tank rupture is also notable, as it poses environmental risks and raises questions about whether the truck’s design provided sufficient protection for its fuel tanks.

Finally, the intersection itself warrants scrutiny. Were there clear stop signs, traffic lights or markings to indicate the need to stop? Poor signage or visibility could have contributed to the driver’s failure to stop, particularly if they were unfamiliar with the area.

Understanding the full scope of what caused this crash is critical. For those affected, especially the injured passenger, uncovering these details is essential to holding the appropriate parties accountable and identifying steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.