Amtrak Train Hits Truck in Maine; Both Catch Fire

Authorities and witnesses say an Amtrak train smashed into a tractor-trailer in Maine, causing an explosion that set both on fire and sent flames more than three stories high.

Steve McCausland from the Maine Department of Public Safety says the truck driver was killed and some train passengers were injured, but it’s not clear how many or how seriously they were hurt. The crash happened at about 11 a.m. Monday in North Berwick, about 40 miles south of Portland.

Tom Gorski, who was working in a building 50 yards away, said he heard the train coming, then an explosion. He says the tractor-trailer was hauling trash.

The train continued for a half-mile before coming to a stop.

The train was part of Amtrak’s Downeaster service. It connects Portland to Boston.