A tragic accident early Thursday morning on the Piscataqua River Bridge, which links Maine and New Hampshire on Interstate 95, claimed the life of 41-year-old Jacob Wolterbeek of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Maine State Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:14 a.m. on the southbound side of the bridge. Traffic had come to a stop on the New Hampshire side due to an earlier accident, resulting in a box truck being stationary in the southbound lane on the Maine side. Wolterbeek, driving a Toyota Camry, collided with the rear of the stopped truck.
The collision caused significant damage to the Camry and was fatal for Wolterbeek, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident. First responders secured the area, and the southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for several hours to facilitate the investigation and clear the wreckage.
The Maine State Police have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances leading to the crash. Factors such as speed, road conditions, or visibility at the time of the collision remain under review. The southbound lanes were reopened later in the morning, restoring traffic flow across the bridge.
This accident highlights the inherent dangers of sudden traffic stops on high-speed highways. Authorities are urging motorists to remain alert and exercise caution when approaching areas of slowed or halted traffic, particularly in areas with limited visibility or high traffic volumes like the Piscataqua River Bridge.
As investigators work to uncover the details surrounding this fatal crash, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the need for heightened awareness on the roads. Wolterbeek’s untimely death has left a community grieving, underscoring the far-reaching impact of roadway incidents.