A tragic crash on the Maine Turnpike in Ogunquit claimed the lives of two people early Thursday morning, causing significant delays and shutting down the highway’s southbound lanes for several hours. Maine State Police identified the victims as 55-year-old Brian Ellis of Kittery and 64-year-old Linda Huelsman of Kennebunk. The accident occurred around 6:05 a.m. when a tractor-trailer, driven by 35-year-old Xioaying Ma of New York City, lost control, veered through the median guardrail, and struck two vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Ma, who was operating a truck owned by EW Logistics, based in Hauppauge, New York, was transported to York Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Huelsman, driving a Cadillac sedan, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ellis, behind the wheel of a Mack box truck owned by EAN Holdings of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities believe weather conditions may have contributed to the crash, and the York County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
The Maine Turnpike Authority issued an alert around 6:30 a.m., warning drivers of the crash at mile 15 between the Wells and York exits. The southbound lanes near Exit 14 in Wells remained closed for several hours as emergency responders worked at the scene, eventually reopening around noon. Vehicles involved in the crash were scattered across all three lanes, but police temporarily opened the center lane to allow some traffic to pass. Meanwhile, another crash at mile 57 in Cumberland caused additional delays, compounding traffic congestion on the turnpike.
The loss of Brian Ellis and Linda Huelsman has left their families, friends, and the community in mourning. Loved ones describe Ellis as a dedicated worker and Huelsman as a beloved member of her community. The incident has raised concerns about road safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions, and has prompted calls for increased awareness and preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact causes of the crashes and whether factors such as driver error, vehicle malfunction, or road conditions played a role. The Maine State Police and the York County District Attorney’s Office are urging anyone with information about the incidents to come forward and assist in the investigation.
In conclusion, the devastating crash on the Maine Turnpike has left the community grieving the loss of Brian Ellis and Linda Huelsman. As authorities work to uncover the truth, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and promoting road safety to prevent future tragedies. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.