SOUTH PORTLAND — The woman struck and killed by an Amtrak Downeaster train in Maine over the weekend has been identified as a South Portland woman.

Amtrak officials say 39-year-old Nyla Howard was walking on the tracks when she was struck by a Boston-bound train just before 7 p.m. Saturday near Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, a mile south of the Portland Transportation Center.

Amtrak officials say Howard was trespassing on the tracks, but did not say why she was there.

There were 68 passengers on board and no other injuries.

The crew on duty asked to be relieved and a new crew was called in to complete the route.

The death remains under investigation and an autopsy is scheduled.


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