Updated: Witnesses Report Body Removal at Site of Amtrak Train and Truck Collision

Haverhill Police taped off Rosemont Street following the Amtrak train and truck collision. (Mike Jarvis photograph for WHAV News.)

Update 3

Amtrak has not yet confirmed the death of a driver whose truck was struck by a passenger train Monday in Haverhill.

Witnesses, however, reported what appeared to be a body on a stretcher being removed during the late afternoon. State, Transit and Haverhill Police are investigating the collision which occurred about 12:45 yesterday afternoon. It involved a Brunswick, Maine-bound Amtrak train and a truck on the tracks near Rosemont Street.

Haverhill Fire, Police and Trinity EMS responded t around 12:45 to a report of a truck struck by a train. Emergency calls arrived via 9-1-1 and the train dispatcher. There was also a report of an injury sustained by one of the estimated 80 passengers in two derailed cars on the Amtrak 683 run. There was no information immediately available about occupants of the truck which was observed overturned.

An Amtrak spokesperson said, “A vehicle was obstructing the tracks north of Haverhill.” Amtrak Public Relations Manager Beth K. Toll 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.”

Niorka Mendez, spokesperson for the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority told WHAV the bus company is “providing transportation for train passengers, taking them away from the scene and harm’s way.” The buses picked up passengers in the parking lot of Pella Windows, 45 Fondi Road.

Rosemont Street reopened to through traffic at about 5:30 p.m.

— Second Update–

There is an unconfirmed report of at least one casualty following a collision this afternoon between a Brunswick, Maine-bound Amtrak train and truck on the tracks near Rosemont Street in Haverhill.

Haverhill Fire, Police and Trinity EMS were sent around 12:45 this afternoon for a report of a truck struck by a train. Emergency calls arrived via 9-1-1 and the train dispatcher. There was also a report of an injury sustained by one of the estimated 80 passengers in two derailed cars on the Amtrak 683 run. There was no information immediately available about occupants of the truck which was observed overturned.

Amtrak did not immediately confirm a death, but a spokesperson said, “A vehicle was obstructing the tracks north of Haverhill.” Amtrak Public Relations Manager Beth K. Toll 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.”

Niorka Mendez, spokesperson for the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority told WHAV the bus company is “providing transportation for train passengers, taking them away from the scene and harm’s way.” The buses picked up passengers in the parking lot of Pella Windows, 45 Fondi Road.

Joe Pesaturo, director of communications for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority told WHAV by email he did not expect the accident to have an impact on commuter rail passenger service.

Rosemont Street remains blocked off as an investigation continues.

Carrie Kimball, spokesperson for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett, referred calls about a reported casualty to Amtrak.

— Earlier–

There is an unconfirmed report of at least one casualty following a collision this afternoon between a Portland, Maine-bound Amtrak train and truck on the tracks near Rosemont Street in Haverhill.

Haverhill Fire, Police and Trinity EMS were sent early this afternoon for a report of a truck struck by a train. Emergency calls arrived via 9-1-1 and the train dispatcher. There was a report of an injury sustained by one of the estimated 80 passengers in two derailed cars on the Amtrak 683 run. There was no information immediately available about occupants of the truck which was observed overturned.

Niorka Mendez, spokesperson for the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority told WHAV the bus company is “providing transportation for train passengers, taking them away from the scene and harm’s way.” The buses picked up passengers in the parking lot of Pella Windows, 45 Fondi Road.

Joe Pesaturo, director of communications for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority told WHAV by email he did not expect the accident to have an impact on commuter rail passenger service.

This is a developing story.

The overturned truck. (Mike Jarvis photograph for WHAV News.)

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