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Accident Reconstruction News Article

Train and tanker involved in crash near Port Authority

PORTSMOUTH — A truck hauling a tank labeled “pool water” and a slow-moving, five-car freight train collided at the entrance to the Port Authority’s scrap metal operation early Tuesday afternoon.

At about 1 p.m., Portsmouth police and fire were dispatched to the Port, just off Market Street, where the International cab of the 18-wheeler crashed into the Guilford Rail System train while it traveled into Market Street from Maine. No one was injured, said responding Officer Rochelle Jones.

The truck is registered in Maine and owned by L.W. Morgridge and Son Inc. of Eliot. Its front hood and bumper were crushed, a headlight hung from electrical cords and other automotive debris littered the train track.

A woman who answered the phone at Morgridge declined to comment about the collision.

Police Lt. Rodney McQuate said the truck was towed from the scene and a light set and stairs on the train were also damaged. McQuate said railroad police and investigators from state highway enforcement will conduct separate investigations, but that no charges are expected to be filed.

"It’s an accident, no one was at fault," he said. "There is no stop sign and no working lights."

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