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COLONIE – A man was hit by a train and killed along Railroad Avenue at around 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, April, 4.
According to police Lt. Robert Winn, the engineer of the Amtrak passenger train did spot the man near the tracks and tried to issue a warning whistle. But, he said, the man “made his way to the tracks” and was struck by the train. Winn said every indication is that it was an intentional act.
Police are not releasing the man’s identity at this time. He is believed to have worked in one of the many commercial construction supply houses along Railroad Avenue and investigators are interviewing his next of kin.
The speed limit through the stretch of track near along 114 Railroad Ave., about a quarter mile west of Fuller Road, is 90 mph. But, just prior to that, it is 80 mph and all trains going through that area slow somewhat to take a curve so it is unclear how fast it was going when it struck the man.
“The engineers are aware there are people in the area because it is a popular fishing spot,” Winn said. “It appears the engineer did all he could.”
The investigation includes looking at video from the train and examining what is essentially a black box to determine the exact speed.
The train was headed to Montreal from the Rensselaer train station. The passengers were not impacted by the incident.
The tracks were back open within about two hours and the train continued on its way.
More information as it becomes available.
