A 36-year-old New Hampshire man died after his Hyundai Santa Fe struck another SUV on the Maine Turnpike, sending his vehicle off the highway and into a wooded area early Saturday morning. The crash happened in Saco, where the Hyundai rolled onto its side after leaving the roadway.
The driver was identified as Felix Melo, 36, of Manchester, New Hampshire. Maine State Police said the collision occurred around 4:45 a.m. Saturday, November 14, on northbound Interstate 95 near mile marker 39 in York County.
According to preliminary findings, Melo was driving the Hyundai Santa Fe when it rear-ended a Ford Explorer traveling in the center lane. The force of the collision sent the Ford spinning across the roadway before it eventually came to a stop.
The Hyundai followed a different path. After the impact, it left the highway and entered a wooded area along the road. The vehicle then rolled onto its side, leaving Melo with fatal injuries.
Emergency responders pronounced Melo dead at the scene. He was the only person reported killed in the collision.
Two Massachusetts residents were inside the Ford Explorer. The vehicle’s female driver and her passenger were treated by emergency personnel at the scene. Both were fortunate enough to avoid injuries requiring hospitalization.
With the crash involving two vehicles and the Hyundai leaving the roadway, Maine State Police sent a Reconstruction Team to examine the scene and assist with the investigation. The team is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The incident initially raised concerns for motorists traveling along the northbound Maine Turnpike. Police warned that some lanes could be closed while emergency crews handled the crash and investigators examined the scene. By just before 9 a.m., all lanes had reopened to traffic.
Police have not released further findings about what caused the Hyundai to strike the Ford. The investigation remains active, and authorities say more information will be made public when it becomes available.
The deadly collision happened in the early hours of Saturday, leaving Melo dead at the scene and two other motorists treated for their injuries.