Two MaineDOT Workers Killed, Third Injured in I-95 Work Zone Crash in Waterville

January 13, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

WATERVILLE, Maine — Maine State Police are investigating a fatal crash that struck a highway work zone Tuesday morning on I-95 southbound near mile marker 127, resulting in the deaths of two Maine Department of Transportation workers and injuries to a third.

State Police said troopers responded at approximately 9:37 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to a fatal pedestrian crash involving a work zone near the end of the southbound on-ramp from Kennedy Memorial Drive. MaineDOT had closed the traveling lane at the end of the on-ramp with cones and a posted stop sign as part of bridge construction work, with workers present at the site, according to investigators.

The initial investigation indicates the operator of a gray Kia minivan failed to stop at the posted stop sign and attempted to enter the passing lane of I-95 southbound, where the minivan was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer. Police said the collision forced the minivan into the work zone, striking three MaineDOT workers. Two of the workers were propelled over the bridge and onto Kennedy Memorial Drive below and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased workers were identified as James Brown, 60, of Waterville, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, of Waterville. A third worker was transported to a local hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

State Police said the minivan operator, Samantha Tupper, 34, of Augusta, had two young children in the vehicle. The children were not injured. Tupper was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The tractor-trailer driver was not injured.

Due to the crash, all lanes of I-95 southbound were shut down for several hours while the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit conducted its investigation. Police said one lane has since reopened. Kennedy Memorial Drive was also shut down westbound, and one lane was shut down eastbound for several hours to allow emergency response and investigative work.

The crash remains under investigation. Maine State Police said they were assisted by the Waterville Police Department, Waterville Fire Department, Waterville Public Works, Delta Ambulance, and Dostie’s Towing. State Police also extended condolences to the families, coworkers, and loved ones of the MaineDOT workers impacted.

Kennebec County • Kennebec County • Crash

Credit: Maine State Police