ESSEX, Md. — Two men riding an ATV were struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Essex Sunday night.
Amtrak said train 149 was traveling from New York City to Roanoke, Virginia at the time of the crash.
Officials claim the individuals were "obstructing the tracks" between the Aberdeen and Baltimore stations.
Baltimore County Police confirmed the four-wheeler was hit around 8pm in the area of Schafer's Lane and CSX Railway.
Two people riding the ATV died on scene.
Amtrak said none of the 519 passengers and crew members aboard the train were injured.
The incident caused several trains to be delayed and re-routed.
Our own reporter, Elizabeth Worthington happened to be a passenger on one of those trains.
I’m on that train. We’ve been informed TWO people were struck.
— Ryan Williams 🪷 (@Ryan_Wms) September 16, 2024
An investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
"Whether the action by the trespassing person was intentional or unintentional would be a determination by the police or medical examiner investigation," said Amtrak in a statement. "According to the Federal Railroad Administration, railroad trespassing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers."
