After Train Hit, Killed Man In Waltham Commuter Rail Service Back

WALTHAM, MA — After more than three hours the Commuter rail was back on schedule after a man in his 30s was fatally struck by a rail train near the Main Street overpass Tuesday morning, according transit authorities.

Someone called 911 at 8:47 a.m., to report a person possibly hit by a train, said police. Transit police, Waltham police and commuter rail staff responded to the area where they confirmed the Inbound Fitchburg train hit a man who was walking along the tracks. The man was pronounced dead. Officials stood by with the train near the overpass for two hours in the rain.

A hearse arrived near the tracks at 11:30 a.m. to move the body, which had been draped with a white sheet. Officials waved onlookers, who had gathered in the CVS parking lot nearby, to move on out of "decency."

Transit police said they do not suspect foul play.

The stopped train caused significant delays, according to MBTA Commuter Rail officials. Commuters on the Fitchburg Train 405, were bused between Waverly and Waltham for train service. And some inbound and outbound trains adjusted their schedules to help passengers connect to the alternate service.

"We appreciate our passengers’ patience while crews work to help them reach their destinations," a spokesman said in a statement to Patch.

It's unclear why the man was on the tracks to begin with. Waltham residents say the overpass has long been a refuge to people who are homeless. Others have been known to cross the tracks there as a shortcut, although there are fences on both sides of the track in that area to disuade that.

Photos by Jenna Fisher/ Patch Staff

-Reporter Jenna Fisher also contributed to this article.