BRANFORD, Conn — Amtrak says they are investigating after a Branford woman was struck by a train and killed on Saturday afternoon.
A spokesperson says a person was trespassing on the tracks at approx. 1:10 p.m., "when the individual came into contact with Amtrak Acela train 2248 on its way from Washington, D.C. to Boston."
There were 137 passengers on board the train; neither they nor the train's crew sustained any injuries, according to Amtrak. Amtrak says Alexandra Trippodo, 22, of Branford, died from her injuries.
Two other Amtrak trains were temporarily stopped as the Amtrak Police Department worked with the Branford Police Dept. to investigate the incident. The CT Shoreline East line reported a stop in operations shortly after 2 p.m.; operations resumed by 3:45 p.m.
Amtrak says "This incident is a critical reminder to the public about the importance of exercising caution around railroad tracks and crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to communicate the dangers of being inattentive at rail grade crossings and along the railroad right-of-way. Each year, approximately 2,000 people are killed or injured in grade crossings and trespassing incidents nationwide."
