A single vehicle rollover Tuesday afternoon in Newcastle was caused by a driver who said she fell asleep, police report.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on June 23, crews from the Newcastle Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a rollover on Route 1 in Newcastle, between the Snead Spur and Mike's Place.

Only minor injuries were reported from the crash, which caused traffic to back up for several miles heading north on Route 1.

Newcastle Fire Chief Clayton Huntley said the woman, whose name has not yet been released, suffered only minor injuries stemming from what he called a “soft rollover.” The driver, who was the only person in the red Toyota Highlander, was transported via CLC Ambulance to Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta.

Sgt. Jason Nein, who along with Det. Jared Mitkus and Deputy First Class Mark Bridgham responded to the accident, said speed wasn't likely a factor, as traffic on Route 1 likely limited cars to 55 to 60 miles per hour.

“She was traveling south alone in her car when she stated she fell asleep,” he said. “(Falling asleep is) consistent with what we've observed — there are no pre-impact tire marks on the road.”

Nein said the driver likely left the road approximately 500 feet before driving up a small hill, over a rocky ledge and into the woods. The vehicle then rolled over, about 10-15 feet, into the ditch along Route 1.

By 4:10 p.m. the car was removed and traffic was again moving along Route 1.