Pedestrian Struck by Train in Salem

The pedestrian was transported to the Salem Hospital where he is being for life-threatening injuries.

Train versus pedestrian scene in Salem, Oregon Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police say a southbound Union Pacific freight train struck a pedestrian around 7:51 Thursday evening, near the State Street crossing.

The investigation revealed the pedestrian, a 47-year old Salem resident, was walking northbound on the railroad tracks at the time of the collision.

Salem Police say the Union Pacific Engineer observed the person on the tracks and immediately applied the emergency brake while sounding the air horn prior to the collision.

The pedestrian was transported to the Salem Hospital where he is being for life-threatening injuries. At the time of this report the pedestrian is in surgery.

Salem Police are not releasing the name of the pedestrian pending family notifications.

Union Pacific Police and investigators remain at the scene of the collision which has blocked the crossings at State Street, Court Street and Center Street.

It is anticipated that the train would be moved sometime after midnight.