Falling Rocks Damage Vehicles on Maine Turnpike

Maine State Police say 15 vehicles were damaged when a load of large rocks spilled out of the back of a truck onto the Maine Turnpike.

Officials say the rocks — some the size of basketballs — fell off a tractor-trailer shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes in Saco, resulting in a number of flat tires, damage to undercarriages and at least one busted oil pan.

No injuries were reported, but traffic was disrupted for an hour as wreckers removed the damaged vehicles.

Trooper Tony Keim said the rocks spilled from the truck when a tie-down strap broke.

The truck was owned by JC Stone Inc. of Jefferson. Police say the driver, 62-year-old Glenn Sporie of Freedom, was cited for falling cargo, damaged straps and insufficient tie-downs.