Amtrak train collides with bike; woman killed

BELLINGHAM — A southbound Amtrak train has collided with a bicyclist in Bellingham, killing the woman.

BNSF Railway spokesman Gus Melonas says the train had just left the Bellingham station en route to Portland at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday when it collided with the bike at a pedestrian crossing.

The 49-year-old victim was identified by Bellingham Police as Maia Haykin of Bellingham.

Trains are authorized to travel 35 mph in that area.

Melonas says the crossing is marked by warning signs.

He says it's the eighth fatality this year on BNSF tracks in Washington state.

BNSF personnel are investigating, as are local authorities.