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Amtrak Crash Investigators Looking At Why Dump Truck Failed To Stop

NORTH BERWICK, Maine (AP) -- Investigators in Maine are examining cell phone and logbook records and electronic equipment as they try to determine why a tractor-trailer failed to stop in time to avoid a collision with Amtrak's Downeaster in North Berwick.

Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety said Tuesday that witness accounts and 200 feet of skid marks on Route 4
make it clear the driver tried to stop.

He said investigators don't yet know how fast the driver was going before attempting to brake.

The posted speed limit was 35 mph.

Police say 35-year-old Peter Barnum of Farmington, N.H., was killed late Monday morning in the fiery collision. He was hauling more than 20 tons of garbage to a regional waste incinerator.

Four Amtrak passengers and two crew members were injured.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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