Maine motorist receives summons after train smashes his car
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Maine driver who had two children in his car when it was slammed by a train could face up to a year in jail.
Portland police issued summonses to 56-year-old Derso Mekonen, of Portland, for endangering the welfare of a child and for failure to obey a railroad safety device. Each carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail.
Police say video shows Mekonen's vehicle darting around a string of stopped cars at a railroad crossing before coming to a stop in front of the train. The train slammed the front of the car, spinning it around and injuring Mekonen. The children were unhurt.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lt. Robert Martin said Tuesday that Mekonen had no explanation for his actions.
It was unclear whether he had hired an attorney, and a listed phone number for him was disconnected.