THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A teenager is dead after being hit by a train in Thomasville, according to police.
The call came in just before 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. It happened near the intersection of Turner Street and Main Street.
The Thomasville Police Department said 17-year-old Hunter Gardner was driving a vehicle that broke down on Main Street parallel to the railroad tracks. Investigators said Gardner walked to the tracks to observe a freight train traveling south. Gardner was standing in the northbound tracks when an Amtrak traveling north struck him from behind.
According to witness statements, it is believed Gardner did not hear or see the Amtrak train before the accident.
Gardener died on the scene, police said.
Amtrak Carolinian / Piedmont Train 80 departed Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. and was traveling to New York with 80 passengers. No injuries were reported.
The train was traveling at approximately 77 mph.
Drivers are to avoid the area. More information will be released later by police.
This investigation is ongoing.
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