NEW GLOUCESTER – The driver of a tractor-trailer was seriously injured Thursday morning when his rig slammed into the back of a second tractor-trailer near the New Gloucester toll plaza on the Maine Turnpike.

Samuel Shaffner, 44, of Shippensburg, Pa., was being treated at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston for head injuries. He was listed in stable condition late Thursday night.

Shaffner’s empty tractor-trailer slammed into the rear of a second unit that was hauling three Humvees to the refurbishing facility at Limestone, police said. One of the Humvees partially fell off the trailer after the impact. Shaffner’s rig ended up off the road in the ditch.

The truck driver hauling the Humvees was identified as 39-year-old Gary Fruge of Verbena, Ala. He was not injured, police said. Troopers cited Fruge with failing to keep his log book up to date and said charges are expected to be lodged against Shaffner once his condition improves. That charge will likely be operating beyond his allowed hour limits, according to Maine State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland.

The cab of Shaffner’s truck was extensively damaged and the trailer of Fruge’s rig was demolished, according to police.

– Mark LaFlamme