A man was fatally struck by a freight train Thursday night near the Pinehurst Resort, authorities said.
The incident was reported shortly after 8 p.m. near the railroad crossing at Morganton Road and N.C. 5 in Pinehurst.
Authorities at the scene told Sandhills Sentinel the victim, an adult male, had been with friends at the resort before walking toward the train tracks. He crossed one set of tracks and then stepped onto a second set, where he was struck by a slow-moving freight train.
Officials confirmed the train involved was a freight train and not part of the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway entertainment trains, including the nearby Engine Room 87 railcar.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing the train blow its whistle as it approached the resort.Â
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities did not release his identity or say whether he was a local resident.
On Friday morning, the Village of Pinehurst issued a press release.
“The Village will not be releasing the identity of the individual,” said the release. The medical examiner and appropriate authorities will continue to investigate the incident. The Village extends its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss.”
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~ Photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Melissa Schaub. On scene reporting by Sandhills Sentinel publisher BJ Goodridge. Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy.
