The Topsham man driving a truck carrying 2400 gallons of fuel intentionally went into a roadside ditch after the truck’s brakes failed this morning in Alna.
Shawn Larrabee was driving a Dead River Company 1994 Ford L-8000 east on Rabbit Path Road. He was going down a hill toward the intersection with Alna Road (Rt. 218) at 9:47 a.m. when the brakes failed.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Hayden said Larrabee decided to steer into the eastbound ditch rather than risk a dangerous collision at the intersection.
Larrabee was wearing his seat belt and was not injured. There did not appear to be any significant spillage, Hayden said. Hayden does not suspect alcohol or speed to be factors in the accident.
The Alna Fire Department responded to the scene and closed Rabbit Path Road while company officials, emergency crews and a tow truck service assessed the scene and prepared to remove the truck.
