March 26, 2026 update: Authorities are looking into a possible mechanical issue occurring just prior to an 18-wheeler truck landing on its side on a stretch of Route 17 in Rockport, March 25, 2026.

Having noticed the sudden driving difficulties, the truck’s operator pulled to the side of the road, according to Rockport Police Sgt. Jim Greeley, in a March 26 follow-up with PenBayPilot.com. In doing so, however, the truck’s right-side tires left the pavement, catching the soft shoulder and its spring-time mud, and destabilizing the vehicle, leading it to tip over.

Being a commercial vehicle, the Commercial vehicle division of Maine State Police responded to the scene. Rockport PD continued with investigating the crash itself. Because of the liquid nitrogen being carried inside the truck’s tank, the fire department contacted Maine DEP, as well as representatives of the truck’s company, Messer, of Sanford, Maine.

A March 25 Rockport Fire Dept. Facebook posting provides further information in regards to the liquid nitrogen, which did not leak from the vehicle:

The trailer’s safety mechanism allowed controlled venting, keeping pressure down. The company’s Transport Manager and Maine DEP assessed the scene and agreed to allow the nitrogen to continue evaporating until the tank was empty and safe to upright.

Thank you to the 15 Rockport firefighters who assisted with road closures and cleanup, and to Rockport Police Department, Messer, State Police Commercial Vehicles, Auto Master Towing, All Directions Towing, Maine DEP, and our dispatchers at KRCC for their support and coordination. Your teamwork ensured the scene was managed safely and efficiently.

Portion of Route 17 in Rockport reopens after truck hauling liquid nitrogen crashes

March 25, 2026: At 12:55 p.m., Route 17 reopened to traffic between the Route 90 intersection at West Rockport and Meadow Street following a single-vehicle rollover on Route 17.

The driver and sole occupant of the 18-wheeler truck  hauling a full tank of liquid nitrogen was able to self-extricate from the vehicle following the rollover, which occured just after 6:30 a.m. Initially, the driver claimed no injuries and declined further medical intervention. However, approximately an 90 minutes later, the driver was transported to the hospital.

Rockport firefighters, with the assistance of the driver, could not locate any leaks from the vehicle, but since liquid nitrogen can be a threat in terms of hazmat, the section of road will remain closed until representatives from the company arrive on scene later this morning. The company is based in Sanford, an approximate three hours away.

The truck was headed to Fisher Engineering at the time of the rollover.