KENNEBUNK — State Police say two tractor-trailers were destroyed Saturday night after one slammed into the other in the parking lot of the Kennebunk rest area on the Maine Turnpike. One of the trucks then burst into flames. The rest area remained open, although a section of the parking lot was cordoned off, as firefighters put out the fire and State Police investigated the wreck.
 
Troopers said Don Johnson, 78, of East Corinth, may have suffered a diabetic seizure as his tractor trailer was exiting the turnpike into the rest area, according to a news release.  Johnson’s truck then slammed into a second tractor trailer, which was parked.  The driver of the second truck was 58 year-old Myles Whynot of Quipamsis, New Brunswick.  Both drivers were taken to the Biddeford hospital with cuts and bruises. Johnson was also being treated for his medical condition.  
 
The diesel fuel tanks of Johnson’s truck ruptured upon impact and ignited.  Other motorists in the parking lot came to Johnson’s aid and freed him before the fire engulfed the cab.  Johnson’s dog, who was riding with him, did not survive.   Johnson’s truck was not hauling any cargo and Whynot’s flatbed truck was hauling a plow assembly. The crash was reported about 8:30 p.m.
 

Editorial Director Lynda Clancy can be reached at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 706-6657.