CT train rams ATV onto train tracks; Incident is under investigation

A train from Connecticut struck an ATV that was left stranded on tracks near Berlin early Sunday, forcing about 20 passengers to transfer so the incident could be investigated, a Transportation Department spokesman said.

According to DOT spokesman Josh Morgan, the incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on the tracks about three miles south of Berlin Station.

Morgan said no injuries were reported.

The ATV had no driver when the train hit it, but it was left on the tracks, Morgan said.

The tracks are owned by Amtrak, but the train is owned by the state of Connecticut. The rail line runs between New Haven and Springfield.

Morgan said the train was traveling northbound when it hit the unoccupied ATV. The passengers transferred to another train to reach their destination, he said.

Morgan noted that access to the tracks is not permitted and that any access to the tracks is considered trespassing.

“It is incredibly dangerous to be near an active railway line,” he said.

Morgan said the ATV was removed and the train was out of service so it could be inspected at the New Haven station. Other trains are running.

Morgan said Sunday that “we don’t really know” why the ATV was on the tracks. He said the matter continues to be investigated by railway officials and state and local police.

“They’re trying to figure out what happened there,” Morgan said, noting that officers are also looking for witnesses.