Amtrak train slams into car in Medford; driver cited for going around crossing gate

By Melissa Werthmann, Globe Correspondent

A 69-year-old New Hampshire man suffered minor injuries today when he maneuvered his car around a railroad crossing gate in Medford and the vehicle was hit by an Amtrak train, authorities said.

MBTA Transit Police said the incident happened at the West Medford station at the High Street crossing just after 8 a.m. The Downeaster 680 train was traveling from Portland, Maine, to Boston.

The driver, Arthur Brennan, was taken to a local hospital. His car sustained substantial damage. He was cited by Transit Police for failing to stop for a railroad crossing, an MBTA spokesman said. The citation carries a $50 fine.

Sixty-two passengers were a board the train; no crew members or passengers were injured, said Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole.

Cole said the Amtrak train had resumed its journey as of 9:15 a.m.

Transit Police and Medford police responded to the scene, along with Amtrak officials, to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the incident.

The accident caused heavy delays and cancellations on the Lowell commuter rail line, according to the MBTA. The 8:40 outbound train and the 8:30 and 9:15 inbound trains were canceled.

Trains have since resumed normal service.