MERRILL, Maine — Two tractor trailer drivers avoided serious injuries when their rigs collided Monday morning while driving on U.S. Route 212.
Paul Folsom, 46, of Houlton was driving an unloaded tractor trailer westbound on Rt. 212 in Merrill Monday morning when his 2009 Peterbilt crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, according to Sgt. Chad Fuller of the Maine State Police.
Folsom’s vehicle struck a loaded 2000 International tractor trailer driven by Kenneth McNally, 45, of Sherman. Both tractors and trailers were extensively damaged, and McNally’s load of wood chips was released onto the roadway, police said.
Folsom was transported to Houlton Regional Hospital with injuries that were not life threatening, and McNally sustained minor scrapes, according to police. Both men were wearing their seatbelts.
A third vehicle went off the road as it swerved to avoid Folsom’s truck after the initial crash. That vehicle had minor damage. The name of that operator was not released by police.
Both tractor trailers had to be towed from the scene and cleanup took approximately six hours to complete. Members of the Houlton Ambulance, Houlton Fire Department, Oakfield Fire Department and MDOT assisted at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation and charges may be pending.
