It was 3 years ago today when icy roads and blowing snow caused a huge crash on the interstate that involved more than 100 vehicles.

The final police report stated that there were 102 vehicles involved, either in the accident itself, or who spun out or slid off the road while trying to avoid the massive pile-up near Carmel. Only 32 of the 149 people involved in the crash had reportable injuries and nearly everyone, except for one person, was in a seat belt at the time of the crash.

I still remember when the very first call came into the studio. It was from a State Police Trooper who told us that there was a big accident, involving at least 40 cars. We immediately took to the airwaves, warning our listeners of the accident and urging them to avoid the area or, if that wasn't possible, to be prepared to stop. We were grateful to hear from some of our listeners, in the hours and days to follow, that our warnings had probably helped them avoid becoming part of the accident scene.

The pictures from that day are dramatic and scary. But they also show the dedication of Maine's first responders who worked for hours, sorting through the wreckage, helping the injured, and getting the scene cleared.

No charges were filed as a result of the accident, as investigators determined it was caused by bad weather, road conditions, and bad decisions by drivers. All in all, it could have been a lot worse. Still, three years later, our hearts go out to those involved. It must have been a very scary day.

 

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