Massachusetts Woman Dies in Crash on the Maine Turnpike

A Massachusetts woman died Monday in a collision with a tractor-trailer on the Maine Turnpike.

A Massachusetts Woman was Killed in a Crash on the Maine Turnpike

Janice Goldsmith, 81, of Needham, Massachusetts, was killed in the crash that happened Monday afternoon in York.

Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss says an initial investigation determined Goldsmith's Toyota sedan struck the back of a tractor-trailer that was in the breakdown lane of the Maine Turnpike, at Mile 5.

Goldsmith was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Maine Police Say a Massachusetts Woman Died When Her Car Hit a Tractor-Trailer

The tractor-trailer, according to the Maine State Police, was stopped in the breakdown lane due to a mechanical malfunction. The rig's operator had placed reflective warning triangles at the breakdown site, as required by law.

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The cause of this crash remains under investigation.

Maine Law Requires Drivers to Move Over When Passing a Disabled Vehicle

Maine's Move Over Law requires drivers to move into the adjacent lane, whenever possible, as they pass emergency vehicles, like police cruisers, firetrucks, or tow trucks.

The Maine Turnpike Authority says that the law was expanded in 2023 to include moving over for disabled vehicles.

If a driver is not able to move into the adjoining lane, they are required to slow down.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Janice Goldsmith.

We'll update this story as more details become available.