(Portland, ME) October 17, 2024 – Yesterday, a pedestrian was struck and killed at the train station in Old Orchard Beach. Old Orchard Beach police officers and fire-rescue units were dispatched to the area at just after 10:50 AM, Deputy Chief David Hemingway said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
Police determined that two men had been hit by the train, one of whom was declared dead at the scene. Authorities transported the second man to Maine Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition, Hemingway said. Two other men were present, but they were not injured, he said.
“A tragic and unfortunate reminder that rail safety is critically important,” said Paul Drinan, Bicycle Coalition of Maine active transportation director. “Pedestrians should always follow the warnings and signs posted at train platforms. Active rail corridors are inherently dangerous places and should be avoided.”
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident which is being investigated by Old Orchard Beach Police Department, Maine State Police, and CSX Railroad Police. Identities of the pedestrians have not been released at this time.
The BCM encourages all people to exercise caution when near rail lines, and urges law enforcement and CSX officials to carefully examine the conditions and any additional circumstances that may have been contributing factors.
This is the 9th pedestrian to be killed in Maine this year, lower than last year when compared to the same time frame (15 pedestrians were killed between Jan-Oct 2023). Statewide, according to the MaineDOT crash query tool, 163 pedestrian crashes have been reported, slightly lower compared to a similar time frame last year. One cyclist has been killed and MaineDOT reports 165 crashes–significantly more bicycle crashes than this same time frame last year.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.