GREENSBORO, N.C. — A person was struck and killed by a freight train Thursday morning near South Davie Street in Greensboro, N.C., according to the Greensboro Police Department.
Officers were sent to the tracks at about 8:58 a.m. on a report that a train had hit someone. Police said the person had been trespassing on the rail line when the train came through.
The person died at the scene. As of Thursday, police had not released the name or any other details about who was killed.
The train belonged to Norfolk Southern, and the railroad’s own police department has taken over the investigation.
Police have not said whether the train’s crew was hurt, how long the tracks were blocked, or whether nearby streets were closed while investigators worked the scene.
Greensboro grew up as a rail junction in the 1800s, and the tracks still shape the city today. Norfolk Southern is the main freight carrier through Greensboro, with a line running along West Market Street south of downtown, and the city is also a freight interchange point between Norfolk Southern and CSX. Plans also exist for a future rail spur and multimodal hub near Piedmont Triad International Airport, which would bring more freight into the area.
Trains move through the city at all hours, and walking on or along the tracks is never safe. A loaded freight train can need a mile or more to come to a full stop, which leaves little chance to avoid someone on the tracks.
Anyone with information about Thursday’s incident can contact the Greensboro Police Department or the Norfolk Southern Police Department.
Section: More Asheville NC crime news
Filed under: Asheville NC Public Safety News
