ESSEX JUNCTION — A 44-year-old man was found dead on railroad tracks early Wednesday morning after being struck by a freight train, according to Essex Police.
Officers responded to the railroad tracks parallel to Railroad Street between Main Street and Maple Street at 4:20 a.m. following a report of a deceased male, police said.
Investigators determined that a southbound New England Central Railroad freight train pulling 83 cars struck the man, identified as Shiloh Malzac of Essex Junction, at approximately 11:35 p.m. Tuesday.
The train engineer was unaware of the incident and continued to the destination without stopping, according to police.
Railroad Street was closed for nearly 3-1/2 hours while investigators processed the scene, which concluded around 8 a.m.
Train traffic was halted during the investigation, and the Essex Westford School District was notified to advise families and students to avoid the area.
Essex Junction Fire Department assisted with traffic control and scene cleanup, while Williston Police helped with traffic control and scene security.
The deceased was transported to the office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
Essex Police are requesting anyone who observed people walking near the railroad tracks between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Tuesday or who has other relevant information to contact authorities.
New England Central Railroad has been cooperating with the ongoing investigation, police said.
