A tractor trailer loaded with 30,000 pounds of live lobsters from Nova Scotia overturned on Interstate 95 in Maine early Wednesday morning.
Maine State Police said one lane of I-95 in Benton will be closed for the day as a crane works to upright the truck and the cargo is inspected. The passing lane of the southbound lanes is closed.
The accident took place along the straight stretch known as the Benton Flats, at mile 135.
The driver, Horst Puff of Greenfield, Nova Scotia, said he swerved to avoid striking a car that had spun out in front of him. There were reportedly white out conditions at the time. The truck wound up on its side in the median. Puff was not injured.
In addition to one lane being closed, the entire southbound side of the highway will be closed at some point during the day to allow equipment to upright the truck and remove the cargo.
State police initially said the fate of the lobsters was not clear, but they sent out the following tweet at 3:34 p.m. saying all of the lobsters are fine and have been loaded onto a new tractor trailer:
Who says ME lobsters aren't rugged? Lobsters are fine and have been loaded onto a new TT headed to NH and RI. pic.twitter.com/izjYQ0Xj79 — Maine State Police (@MEStatePolice) March 18, 2015
