Man Struck on Salem Railroad Tracks (VIDEO)

Police say the man's foot was severed during the incident.

Salem Police Lt. Dan Deitz talks to Salem-News.com about the train versus pedestrian accident. Photo/video by Jerry Freeman

(SALEM, Ore,) - A man was struck by a southbound Union Pacific freight train Sunday night at approximately 11:36 p.m. Salem Police Lt. San Deitz, says the train ran over a 51-year old male south of McGilchrist Street SE in Salem, severing his lower leg.

"The man was down or asleep with one leg over the tracks when the train approached," Deitz said.

Deitz says the man's leg was severed between the ankle and knee.

"The train was traveling at approximately 35 MPH when the engineer recognized the man on the tracks."

Deitz says the engineer applied emergency braking and sounded the horn but the man did not respond.

Deitz says the so-far unidentified victim, was transported to Salem Hospital as a trauma patient.

McGilchrist was closed at Pringle and at 16th SE. and will remain closed until Union Pacific completes their investigation of the incident.

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