November 08, 2024
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Tractor-trailer dumps load of debris in Hampden

HAMPDEN – Approximately 90,000 pounds of construction and demolition debris littered the corner of Routes 9 and 202 after a Massachusetts tractor-trailer tipped over early Tuesday, spilling its load.

Michael Natola, 46, of Lynn, Mass., was driving the 1994 Ford Aeromax truck to the Pine Tree Landfill when the incident occurred.

“I don’t know if it [the load] was top-heavy or if it was something in the truck that failed,” he said. “The truck just turned me over.”

Natola, who was driving for Babiarz Trucking, started his trip in Holliston, Mass., early on Tuesday.

The 21-year veteran truck driver said the incident is a prime example of why the federal 80,000-pound weight limit for the interstate system should be increased to allow 100,000-pound trucks.

“The problem is these trucks don’t belong on these little roads,” he said. “They need to be up on the interstate between Augusta and Bangor. This little road is not designed to handle these trucks.

“It’s not safe for the general public to mix with big trucks,” Natola continued. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Hampden Police Department, which is located close to the accident site, got the call at 6:50 a.m.

“Firefighters who were upstairs heard the crash,” said Officer Ruth Doherty, who went to the scene.

One lane of Route 202 was closed for several hours while crews cleaned up the area and both lanes were closed for a short period while the truck was removed.

“One good thing is that all the junk went down into the grassy median instead of out into the roadway,” Doherty said.

The rollover demolished the Aeromax truck. Natola, who reported bruising his right shoulder, said he hopes the trailer portion can be salvaged.


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