WATERVILLE, Maine — Maine State Police are investigating a tragic crash that claimed the lives of two Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) workers Tuesday morning on Interstate 95 in Waterville.
According to Maine State Police, troopers responded at approximately 9:37 a.m. on January 13, 2026, to a fatal pedestrian crash on I-95 southbound near mile marker 127, close to the Kennedy Memorial Drive on-ramp. MaineDOT crews were conducting bridge construction work at the site and had closed the travel lane using cones and a posted stop sign.
Investigators say the operator of a gray Kia minivan failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the end of the southbound on-ramp and attempted to enter the passing lane of I-95 southbound. The minivan was then struck by a southbound tractor-trailer.
As a result of the collision, the minivan was forced into the construction zone, striking three MaineDOT workers who were actively working at the site. The impact propelled two workers over the bridge and onto Kennedy Memorial Drive below. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as James Brown, 60, of Waterville, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, of Waterville.
A third MaineDOT worker was transported to a local hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
The driver of the minivan was identified as Samantha Tupper, 34, of Augusta. Police said Tupper had two young children in the vehicle, neither of whom were injured. Tupper was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
Road Closures and Traffic Impacts
Following the crash, all southbound lanes of I-95 were shut down for several hours while the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit conducted its investigation. One southbound lane later reopened around 11:30 a.m. Traffic was diverted at Exit 130 during the closure.
In addition, Kennedy Memorial Drive was shut down westbound, with one eastbound lane also closed for several hours to allow emergency response and investigation efforts.
Ongoing Investigation
The crash remains under active investigation by the Maine State Police, with assistance from the Waterville Police Department, Waterville Fire Department, Waterville Public Works, Delta Ambulance, and Dostie’s Towing.
In a statement, Maine State Police extended their condolences to the families, coworkers, and loved ones of the MaineDOT workers killed in the crash.
This is a developing story, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
