One dead after vehicle and Amtrak Downeaster collide in North Berwick

Authorities say the vehicle operator was pronounced dead at the scene.

Published on Jan. 29, 2026

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A driver died after a vehicle collided with an Amtrak Downeaster train on Thursday in North Berwick, Maine. North Berwick Police Chief Stephen Peasley said the operator of the vehicle was the only person in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The department was dispatched to the scene around 2:45 p.m., and the road was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the incident.

Why it matters

Train collisions with vehicles are a serious public safety concern, especially in rural areas with at-grade rail crossings. This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and public awareness around railroad crossings to prevent such tragic accidents.

The details

According to police, the vehicle collided with the Amtrak Downeaster train at a railroad crossing in North Berwick. The driver of the vehicle was the sole occupant and was pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the incident.

  • The department was dispatched to the scene around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2026.
  • Amtrak issued a service alert around 3:15 p.m., saying its 686 train was stopped south of Wells Station.
  • As of 5:20 p.m., the train was operational again but was about three hours behind schedule.

The players

Stephen Peasley

North Berwick Police Chief who provided details about the incident to local media.

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What they’re saying

“The operator of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.”

— Stephen Peasley, North Berwick Police Chief (WMTW)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision and will likely release more details in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of safety at railroad crossings and the need for increased public awareness and education to prevent similar accidents in the future.