2 People in Biddeford were Hit, Killed by the Amtrak Downeaster

Two people were struck and killed in Biddeford by the Amtrak Downeaster train.

Was Anyone On the Train Hurt?

It was around 11:00 Sunday morning when the train struck two people who Amtrak officials say were on the tracks. Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams says the Downeaster was traveling from Boston to Maine and had just passed through the Main Street crossing in Biddeford when the incident occurred.  No one on the train was injured.

The names of the deceased have not been released and no comment has been made about what the people were doing on the tracks.

Do Things Like This Happen a Lot?

Abrams says trespassing on the tracks is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, followed by incidents at railroad crossings.

These incidents can affect everyone involved - those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers. They also serve as critical reminders about the importance of obeying the law and of exercising extreme caution around railroad tracks and crossings.

He says railroad safety information can be found on Amtrak's safety website.

What Happened to the Passengers After the Incident?

The 81 passengers on the train spent 2 hours on the stopped train until busses arrived to transport them to Portland.

Amtrak is working with local authorities to investigate the incident.

We'll update this story as more details become available.