Police and firefighters respond to incident near train tracks in Old Orchard Beach

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (WMTW) – One person is dead and another is in critical condition after they were struck by a freight train in Old Orchard Beach Wednesday morning, according to police.

The Old Orchard Police Department said first responders were dispatched to the area of ​​the Amtrak station at 11 First St. shortly after 10:50 a.m. after receiving a report of several people being struck by a passing train.

Officers determined two men were struck by a freight train, which was traveling north toward Scarborough.

Police said one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon.

Two other men were also located at the Old Orchard Beach Amtrak station but were not injured, police said.

A CSX spokesperson confirmed to Total Coverage of Maine that the train involved in the incident is owned by the company.

“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this tragedy and we will work on the ground to support local authorities as they continue to investigate,” a CSX spokesperson said in a statement.

Total Maine Coverage spotted several police cruisers and fire department vehicles on First Street, near the intersection of Old Orchard Street, early Wednesday afternoon.

Police tape was placed in the area of ​​the train tracks near the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 11 First St., the same address as the Amtrak station.

A freight train was stopped on the tracks when Maine’s Total Coverage crew arrived on scene.

Investigators determined that the two people who were struck by the train were sitting on the Amtrak platform before they were struck.

Police said alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Several roads were blocked by the CSX train following the incident and during the initial investigation, including Atlantic Avenue, Old Orchard Street and Union Avenue.

Police said all roads have since reopened to traffic.

The incident continues to be investigated by the Old Orchard Police Department and CSX Railroad Police.

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