Pedestrian struck and killed by train in Merced

A man was killed Thursday when he was struck by a train on R Street in Merced, the Police Department confirmed.

The victim’s identity was not available Thursday. Police said he appeared to be a man in 50s.

Sgt. Robert Solis told the Sun-Star the man was walking just before 5:30 p.m. south on R Street, between 15th and 16th streets, when he was struck by the westbound train. Police said alcohol appeared to have been a factor.

Witnesses told the police at least one person tried to wave the man down to alert him to the oncoming train, but officers said it was believed the man did not hear the train before walking into its path.

Traffic was shut down on R Street for a time while emergency responders investigated the scene.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 8:51 PM with the headline "Pedestrian struck and killed by train in Merced."