Norfolk Southern train kills man lying on tracks in Roanoke

ROANOKE

A Norfolk Southern Corp. train used to teach railroad crossing safety ran over and killed a man lying on the tracks last Tuesday night in downtown Roanoke, according to news reports.

The Operation Lifesaver train was being positioned for a safety event the next day when the crew spotted the man lying on the tracks ahead, said Robin Chapman, a spokesman for the Norfolk-based railroad. Though the three-car train was traveling at less than 10 mph, it could not stop before it ran over Patrick Martin, 63.

Roanoke police have ruled the incident a suicide, Chapman said.