An 80-year-old man was killed Thursday morning after stepping into the path of an oncoming train in Denair.

The name of the man is pending next of kin notification before it is released. The California Highway Patrol said he was 80 years old and from Turlock.

The collision was reported at 10:49 a.m. Thursday at the railroad crossings at Santa Fe and Zeering roads.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train was traveling north, approaching Zeering Road when the 80-year-old man stepped onto the railroad tracks.

The man was seen by witness walking eastbound on Zeering Road. The witness told the CHP the man ignored the downed railroad crossing arms and the audible signal and crossed onto the tracks.

The impact threw the man in a northeasterly direction. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zeering Road was closed until just before 1 p.m.

“The CHP would like to remind everyone the extreme dangers of entering the path of moving train,” said CHP spokesman Thomas Olsen. “Railroad crossing arms are put in place for your safety. Never attempt to outrun an approaching train.  It can take a train a mile or more to stop.”