Wrong-Way Driver Causes Head-On Crash on I-295 in Portland

August 30, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Portland, Maine

Three people were seriously injured Saturday evening after Maine State Police say an 88-year-old New Hampshire man mistakenly entered Interstate 295 traveling the wrong way and collided head-on with another vehicle near Tukey’s Bridge in Portland.

All three people involved were transported to Maine Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Key Points

• Crash reported: Saturday, August 29, at approximately 7:15 p.m.

• Location: I-295 near Tukey’s Bridge and Exit 8 in Portland

• Police received reports of a wrong-way driver moments before the crash

• Driver identified as Ronald Ferguson, 88, of Nelson, New Hampshire

• Three people transported with serious but non-life-threatening injuries

• Two of four lanes were closed for just over two hours

• Investigation remains ongoing

Wrong-Way Driver Reported

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the Bangor Regional Communications Center received a report of a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-295 in Portland.

Moments later, both the Bangor and Portland regional communications centers began receiving calls reporting a head-on crash near Tukey’s Bridge.

Maine State Police, Portland Police and the Portland Fire Department responded.

Three People Seriously Injured

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2020 Subaru Outback driven by Ferguson mistakenly entered the southbound lanes of I-295 and traveled in the wrong direction.

A short time later, the Subaru collided with a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse that was traveling southbound.

Ferguson, his female passenger and the female driver of the Mitsubishi were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

I-295 Partially Closed

Two of the four lanes of I-295 were closed for just over two hours while emergency crews responded and investigators worked at the scene.

Southern Maine Towing and Maietta’s Towing removed the vehicles. Maine DOT Safety Patrol also assisted.

The crash remains under investigation.

Credit: Maine State Police