Robert Leso struck dead by Tractor-Trailer while crossing Main Street in Farmington

A tragic accident on Main Street in Farmington, Maine, claimed the life of 82-year-old Robert Leso, a resident of Chesterville, who was struck by a tractor-trailer on Monday morning. The collision occurred near the U.S. post office at 196 Main Street around 10:30 a.m., leaving the community in shock and prompting officials to issue safety reminders for pedestrians and drivers.

According to Farmington police, the driver of the northbound tractor-trailer had initially stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street. After ensuring the crosswalk was clear, the driver began moving forward. At that same moment, Leso reportedly approached the truck from the passenger side, attempting to walk around the front of the vehicle, placing himself out of the driver’s line of sight.

As the truck moved, Leso was knocked to the ground and run over by the front tire, a tragic incident that witnesses quickly tried to address by signaling for the driver to stop. Both the driver and bystanders immediately rushed to assist Leso, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Farmington Police Chief Kenneth Charles stated that traffic camera footage and witness statements show no indication of fault on the part of the driver, who had taken reasonable precautions before proceeding. With the investigation ongoing, authorities have indicated that they do not expect any charges to be filed in connection with the accident. The Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit also responded to the scene to assist in examining the commercial vehicle involved.

Following the accident, Chief Charles highlighted the need for heightened awareness among both drivers and pedestrians to prevent such incidents in the future. In a public statement, he urged people to slow down, remain vigilant, and ensure they make eye contact with one another before crossing paths. “We urge both motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and avoid distractions,” Charles emphasized, noting that mutual awareness is crucial for safety in busy areas.

Main Street traffic was rerouted for approximately four hours as police collected evidence and cleared the scene. The accident has left the Farmington community grieving, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances to better understand how similar tragedies can be prevented.