Deadly collision between Amtrak Downeaster train and vehicle in Haverhill

HAVERHILL, Mass. — HAVERHILL, Mass. — An 83-year old man died Monday when an Amtrak Downeaster train struck his vehicle at an intersection in Haverhill.

Amtrak says none of the 80 passengers on the train was injured.

According to a statement from Amtrak “a vehicle was obstructing the tracks north of Haverhill, Mass. on Monday, Dec.27 at approx. 12:47 p.m. ET, when it came into contact with Amtrak Downeaster train 683 on its way from Boston to Brunswick, Maine.”

“I heard a big noise and I thought oh somethings definitely wrong,” said Allison Armstrong of Rockland Maine. “We are not going anywhere.”

That big noise was the Downeaster train flattening the truck. The Essex County District Attorney’s office says an 83-year-old man was the only person in the vehicle. He died at the scene.

“It looked like maybe a tree had fallen because it kind of ruffled down beside the side of the train and then I just saw a big explosion off to the side,” said Seth Paquin of Exeter New Hampshire.

“It’s terrible,” said Joan Croteau of Haverhill. “It’s horrible any time but especially around the holidays.”

“I was standing up in the bathroom of the train,” said Walter Schaffner of Dover. “I just started bouncing all over the place. I didn’t know what was going on until I got out.”

Amtrak passengers told Boston 25 News that passengers had to wait for another Amtrak train before they could be evacuated and taken to a train station in Haverhill to continue their journeys.

Even though the holiday tragedy added even longer delays for travelers, that wasn’t their biggest concern.

“We got canceled last night and spent the night in Orlando airport,” said Richara Gonzales of Wilton Maine. “I complained a lot at first and everything but I’m really more worried about the man’s family and everything right now.”

In its statement Amtrak said “This incident is a critical reminder to the public about the importance of exercising caution around railroad tracks and crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver to communicate the dangers of being inattentive at rail grade crossings and along the railroad right-of-way. Each year, approximately 2,000 people are killed or injured in grade crossings and trespassing incidents nationwide.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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