MORRILL – A 38-year-old truck driver from Palermo was killed early Saturday when he apparently fell asleep while driving on Route 3.

Dwain Haskell, who drove an 18-wheeler for a living, crashed his 2000 GMC pickup truck just before 6 a.m. about one-tenth of a mile west of the intersection of Route 3 and Greer Road, according to Maine State Trooper Patrick Hood.

Hood said Haskell was traveling east when he apparently fell asleep and drifted onto the shoulder of the road where he struck a rock embankment. The truck became airborne for about five car lengths, said Hood, then struck a second rock embankment. The truck rolled over and Haskell was crushed.

Haskell was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, said Hood, and no skid marks were found.

The speed limit on the road, which is straight and flat in that area, is 55 mph.

Hood said there was no indication that speed, alcohol or drugs were involved but it is standard procedure to order a blood test in fatal accidents.

A passer-by used a cell phone to report the crash at 6:16 a.m. Hood said that since Route 3 is a heavily traveled road, the accident likely happened just minutes before then.

Hood was assisted at the scene by Trooper Jason Richards and by Belmont and Belfast Rescue.