From the Washington County Sheriff’s Office:
“At approximately 7:19pm the Washington County Regional Communication
Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a train and tractor trailer collision in
Danforth. Initial callers reported the train collided with a fuel truck and multiple
explosions were heard as well as a partial DE-railment of the train. The WCRCC
dispatched an Ambulance and Fire Departments from Danforth, Princeton, Indian
Township and Bailleyvile as well as Washington County Deputies..
When first re-sponders arrived on scene they found a Log truck loaded with logs
had struck the middle of the train and burst into flames. They were able to put the fire
out and reported that no Haz-Mat material were involved. One box car left the rails and
traveled some 70 feet into brush on the southern side of the tracks.
During the course of the investigation it was determined that the train, owned by
NB Southern Rail, and operated by Zachary Sanders, 33 of Corinth, was traveling south
when it was struck by Marshall Campbell, 64 of Plaster Rock New Brunswick Canada,
the loaded log truck traveling South toward Woodland. Sanders reported the train lost
power and when they walked approximately ½ mile back on the tracks they discovered
the crash when they saw the truck on fire. Marshal was able to make it out of the truck
and appeared not to be injured as a result of the crash.
At the time of the crash the emergency lights at the crossing were working and it
is unclear why Marshall did not stop. The Maine State Police Commercial Enforcement
Division were on scene as well as Washington County EMA, Maine DOT, Maine DEP
and Officials from NB Southern Railway.
Crews worked through out the night and were able to re-open the road around
6:30 this morning. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be involved, the accident
remains under investigation.”
