The Turlock Police Department is investigating the death of a man struck by a train Friday morning near downtown Turlock.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is unknown at this time.

Around 11 a.m. the train engineer on the Union Pacific freight line called 911 and reported striking an unknown object. It happened in the area of N. First Street and Julian Street.

Once officers arrived, they found an adult male, unknown age, who had been struck by the train, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Steve Rodrigues.

The train came to a stop and blocked several intersections through town, from First Street down to Fulkerth Road and Golden State Boulevard. The road was reopened at 1:15 p.m.

The circumstances of the man’s death are unknown at this time. 

The Federal Railroad Administration has found the number one cause of death in the railroad industry to be caused by people trespassing or ignoring the crossing arms and lights. The FRA doesn’t track how many of the deaths are suicides. Estimates put the number of train pedestrian suicides at 20 to 50 percent of the total incidents.

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Jordan Panella at 209-668-5550 extension 6714. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.