Car ends up on tracks at New London Union Station
Editor's note: This version clarifies that the car was on the tracks.
The front end and tires of a white Kia Optima ended up on the tracks nearest New London Union Station on Saturday afternoon, after the vehicle rolled onto the platform.
City police said the preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the car, who only had the vehicle for two weeks, thought the car was in reverse — but it was actually in drive.
No injuries were reported, according to police.
Amtrak police directed incoming trains to stay in place or stop on the tracks, city police said.
Amtrak and city police responded to the scene and there was no driver or passengers in the vehicle during their investigation.
Amtrak spokesman Craig Schulz confirmed in an email that the incident appears to be a case of driver error. Schulz said the accident was first reported to Amtrak Police at 3:52 p.m.
He said trains operated at restricted speed for a short time, but there was little to no impact on operations. The car was towed off the tracks a little after 4 p.m.
As police investigated Saturday afternoon, a northbound Acela train waited on the tracks about a block away from the station, with the front of the train stopped just before Golden Street. It began moving again around 4:18 p.m.
Schulz said the area was clear by 4:24 p.m.
k.drelich@theday.com
Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich
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