A 21-year-old woman from New Hampshire escaped serious injury on Tuesday morning after a piece of metal debris struck the windshield of her Jeep Wrangler and impaled itself only inches from her face.
The woman, who was not identified, was driving southbound on the Maine Turnpike near Mile 61 in Gray when the debris was kicked up by a vehicle traveling in front of her. The debris struck the windshield with such force that it shattered the glass.
The woman was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. She was checked by paramedics on scene and sustained only minor injuries. She was reunited with her family shortly after the crash.
One lane of the turnpike was shut down for approximately one hour while crews cleared the debris and investigated the crash.
The Maine Turnpike Authority and Gray Fire and Rescue assisted on scene.
The woman is grateful to be alive and is thankful for the quick actions of the first responders. She is also warning other drivers to be aware of the dangers of metal debris on the road.
The woman’s story is a reminder that even a small piece of metal debris can cause serious injury or death. Drivers should be on the lookout for debris on the road and take steps to avoid it, such as slowing down and changing lanes.