North Berwick, ME — One person has died after a vehicle collided with an Amtrak Downeaster train Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
North Berwick Police Chief Stephen Peasley told Maine’s Total Coverage that the call reporting the collision came in between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m. The incident occurred near the train tracks at the intersection of Elm Street (Route 4) and Buffum Road.
The driver of the vehicle, the only occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Peasley confirmed that no one else was in the car at the time of the crash.
The train involved, Downeaster Train 686, remained stopped on the tracks approximately half a mile from the intersection as of 5:15 p.m. Amtrak officials announced that the train was halted south of the Wells Regional Transportation Center as municipal services responded to the incident. The delay affected Downeaster Train 687, which was scheduled to depart Boston’s North Station later in the day.
Authorities have temporarily closed Elm Street between Meehan Lane and Somersworth Road while the investigation is ongoing. Chief Peasley noted that the investigation is still in its early stages.
Amtrak warned passengers of extended delays and asked for patience as local authorities continue their work at the scene.