Man sitting on tracks killed by commuter train

CHARLOTTE (AP) — Authorities say a man sitting on a commuter rail track in Mecklenburg County died after he was hit by a train being tested for its debut later this month.

The man’s identity hasn’t been released because relatives haven’t been notified.

Transit system spokesman Olaf Kinard says the two-car train had passed a station Sunday night and was headed toward Charlotte’s downtown when the driver saw the man.

The spokesman says the driver blew the train’s horn and applied brakes but couldn’t stop in time. The driver has been placed on administrative leave during an investigation.

The rail system is scheduled to begin operations Nov. 24.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)