A multi-vehicle accident on I-95 in Westbrook left several people injured Friday morning after plywood reportedly spilled from a flatbed tractor-trailer. According to state police, the incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. when the trailer allegedly lost its load and scattered plywood across both northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate. At least three passenger vehicles traveling southbound were involved in collisions as a result. Authorities confirmed serious injuries, though the full extent has not yet been reported.
When cargo spills across both sides of an interstate, it raises immediate questions about how the load was secured and whether the trailer itself was properly inspected before leaving. Investigators will likely focus on both driver responsibility and equipment condition in determining what went wrong.
Was the Cargo Properly Secured?
Federal regulations require commercial drivers and their companies to ensure loads are secured in a way that prevents shifting, spilling, or falling. In this case, plywood scattered widely enough to trigger multiple crashes, which suggests that securement devices such as straps, chains, or binders may not have been sufficient. Investigators will need to determine whether the cargo was tied down according to federal cargo securement standards and whether the driver performed adequate pre-trip and en-route inspections.
Could Equipment or Product Defects Have Contributed?
It is also possible that this was not solely an issue of driver oversight. A defective strap, binder, or anchoring point could have failed under the stress of highway travel, allowing the plywood to break free. Inspecting the trailer, securement devices, and load configuration will help identify whether this was the result of poor maintenance, improper loading, or a product defect that compromised safety.
Evidence That Should Be Collected
To establish what happened, investigators should review physical evidence at the scene, including any broken tie-downs, damaged anchor points, or remnants of securement equipment. The trailer should be closely inspected for signs of structural weakness. Eyewitness accounts and any available dashcam or traffic camera footage may also confirm whether the load shifted gradually or failed suddenly. Documentation of the trailer’s pre-trip inspection and maintenance records will also be key.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Critical
In accidents like this that involve injuries, determining whether it was caused by improper securement, a defect, or both is essential to establish accountability. Only by reviewing the load, the equipment, and the driver’s actions will investigators know how and why this crash happened.