Tractor-trailer rollover causes mess on Route 11

WALLAGRASS – It took nearly nine hours Tuesday to restore power and telephone service and clear Route 11 after a tractor-trailer rolled over and dumped its load shortly after 5 a.m.

Walter T. Forsyth, 45, of Edmundston, New Brunswick, driver of the 18-wheeler, reported minor back pain in the incident. He was wearing a seat belt.

Maine State Police Trooper Kim Espling said about $40,000 in damage was caused to the truck and utility lines in the area.

Forsyth was southbound with a Sunbury Transport Ltd. truck loaded with wood chips when he could not negotiate a curve. The vehicle went off the road, struck a utility pole and rolled over before coming to a stop in the middle of the road.

Electrical and telephone lines failed at the neighboring homes of Irvin Fournier and Laura Saucier. Saucier’s yard was filled with wood chips from the truck.

Police were able to maintain one-way traffic through the area by using Fournier’s driveway to bring vehicles around the overturned truck.

Espling said utility services worked quickly to restore power and clear the area.

Crews were there from Maine Public Service Co., Northland Telephone Co. and the state Department of Transportation. Eagle Lake Fire and Rescue was also at the scene.

The accident occurred about 5:15 a.m., and police cleared the area just before 2 p.m.

Espling said alcohol was not a factor. His accident investigation was continuing Tuesday afternoon.