Police: Man killed while crossing train tracks

CASTLETON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. » The Town of Schodack Police Department said a 27-year- old man was killed while crossing train tracks in the village.

Police said that around 8:20 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a train near the intersection of Scott Avenue and South Main Street.

Schodack police said Friday that a preliminary investigation indicates Thomas J. Brust of Mechanicville was crossing the railroad tracks at that location and was struck by a northbound Amtrak passenger train. Police said Brust was killed in the collision. No passengers or crew onboard the Amtrak train were injured.

Police said many people use that area at Scott

Avenue to access the Hudson River via a small park owned by the village. The park is on the river-side of the Amtrak rails.

“We received clarification of the trespassing issue with regards to this crossing. Originally it was reported that it is not trespassing to cross here. According to the Federal Railroad Administration this crossing is a ‘closed’ crossing, which means that people are not allowed to cross here and that those who do cross here are trespassing. Over the years, many people have used this crossing to access the river. It should be noted however that crossing in this location is considered trespassing,” police said in a news release Friday.

The police department is working closely with Amtrak police to conclude this investigation. New York State Police, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, Castleton Volunteer Fire Department, Schodack Valley Fire Department, and Castleton Volunteer Ambulance Squad assisted Schodack and Amtrak Police at the scene.

Police said more information will be released as the investigation unfolds.