A passenger in the rental van that went off Interstate 95 in Clinton on Tuesday morning and crashed into a tree has died, while police are still searching for the driver who fled the scene.
The crash was reported at 7 a.m. near mile marker 138 on the northbound side of the highway, according to Maine State Police.
Investigators determined that the 2025 GMC Savana rental van left the northbound lane, went into a ditch, then went airborne over the median crossover and hit a tree.
A passenger found critically injured at the scene was taken to a local hospital but died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to police. Their identity has not been released.
Witnesses told state police that a male driver, wearing dark clothes and carrying a dark backpack ran from the van into the woods before police arrived. Additionally, the Clinton Police Department said the man has facial injuries.
Troopers searched most of the day with help from a police dog and a plane but have not found the driver, state police said.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the driver is being asked to call Maine State Police in Bangor at 207-973-3700.