MSP Investigates Vehicle Submerged in Stream After Crash

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 AM, a Trooper from Troop I responded to a report of a vehicle that had driven off I-295 southbound at the West Gardiner/Gardiner line and into the Cobbosseecontee Stream beneath the bridge. Trooper Tom Bureau arrived within minutes and was advised by a witness that the vehicle was submerged in the water and had not been seen since it crashed. Trooper Bureau immediately removed his duty belt and protective equipment before entering the water in an effort to rescue the driver. Trooper Bureau swam about seven feet down and was able to feel the vehicle but was unable to open the door due to oil in the water. He remained in the water for approximately five minutes attempting to gain access before learning that the driver had safely escaped and swam to a nearby residence.

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver 27-year-old Brandon Nale of Winslow, fell asleep while driving. His vehicle, a 2020 Audi Sedan left the roadway to the left, traveled down an embankment between the guardrails, struck a sign and a concrete barrier, and then launched into the stream. Nale was able to open the door and swim away before the vehicle sank. He was transported to Maine General Hospital in Augusta with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Maine State Police Dive Team assisted in recovering the vehicle. The left lane of I-295 was shut down for approximately one hour during the recovery. State Police were assisted at the scene by Gardiner Fire & Rescue, West Gardiner Fire, Maine DOT, and AC Towing.