17-year-old girl hit by Downeaster train

DURHAM, N.H. – A 17-year-old girl was struck by the Amtrak Downeaster train just before 4 p.m. Monday.

Durham police said the teen was hurt as she attempted to jump off a trestle over the Lamprey River out of the path of the southbound train. The engineer told police he thought he clipped the girl.

She was taken to a nearby hospital with back and neck injuries. They are not considered life-threatening. Her identity was not released.

Authorities said trains slow to 40 mph as they approach the trestle because of the area’s popularity as a swimming spot. A number of youths at the swimming hole were charged Monday with trespassing.