A Massachussetts driver who was attempting to extinguish a cigarette caused traffic to back up on the Maine Turnpike Sunday.

Melissa Hernandez, 42, of Weymouth, Mass., lost control of her car as a result and went off the northbound lane of the highway in Saco.

Hernandez's car travelled for about 50 feet before striking a fence. She was not injured, nor was a passenger, 47-year-old John Lubold.

But as State Trooper Gavin Hagen investigated that crash, three motorists who were distracted by his flashing blue light crashed into each other.

They were not seriously injured. Hagen said the accidents caused traffic to back up for several miles. The first accident took place around 3:30 p.m.