A BENDIGO man was hit by a train and killed after trying to run across the train tracks at Kyneton railway station last night.
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The 30-year-old man was taken by air ambulance to The Alfred hospital, where he later died.
Kyneton police Sergeant Frank Docherty said the man was hit by the express V/Line service travelling from Southern Cross to Bendigo just before 6pm.
Sergeant Docherty said the man was believed to have been trying to get onto the opposite platform.
He said the man had jumped the barrier to run across the train line but had misjudged the oncoming train’s speed.
“The man climbed over the gate and ran across the tracks as the train was approaching,” he said.
“He was then clipped by the train.
“He was knocked about two feet into the air into a fence on the other side.
“It appeared he had been trying to beat the train. It’s unclear whether he was trying to catch the train or if he was aware the train was an express service that didn’t stop at Kyneton.”
About 240 people were on board the 4.54pm peak-hour service from Southern Cross to Bendigo.
Passenger Mark Seddon said the train was waiting just past the platform for more than an hour as emergency services cleared the area.
Mr Seddon said passengers were distressed and concerned for the man’s welfare as paramedics arrived.
“Everyone was worried for the man,” he said.
“It was pretty horrible. As soon as they jerked on the brakes you knew it had hit something.
“There was a bit of commotion after that with a lot of ambulances, fire trucks, and police who came on board the train to do their investigation.”
A V/Line spokesman said services between Melbourne and Bendigo were delayed by up to an hour.
An Alfred hospital spokeswoman confirmed the Bendigo man died just after 9pm.
Sergeant Docherty said a police investigation would continue, with more witnesses to be interviewed and CCTV footage reviewed.
A report is set to be prepared for the coroner.