One dead, another seriously injured after struck by train in Old Orchard Beach

One person is dead and another hospitalized after they were hit by a freight train in Old Orchard Beach on Wednesday morning.

Old Orchard Beach police and firefighter/rescue workers responded to reports of several people struck by a train near the train platform on First Street shortly before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, according to a press release from Deputy Police Chief David Hemingway.

First responders at the scene determined that one man was dead. Another man was transported by ambulance to Maine Medical center and is listed to be in critical condition, said Hemingway. Two other men at the scene were uninjured.

The incident is being investigated by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department with assistance from Maine State Police Detectives and CSX Railroad Police investigators, said Hemingway.

The men were sitting on the train platform prior to being struck by the train, said Hemingway. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the incident, he said.

Following the incident and during the initial investigation intersecting roadways at Union Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, and Old Orchard Street were blocked by the train.

The incident remains under investigation, said Hemingway. Police are not releasing the identities of those involved at this time.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.