Train hits, kills disabled man in southwest Atlanta

A train hit and killed a  man trying to cross tracks in southwest Atlanta, police said.

A train hit and killed a man trying to cross tracks in southwest Atlanta, police said.

A disabled man was hit by a train and killed Thursday night as he tried to cross tracks in southwest Atlanta, police said.

The train struck the man, who used a cane to walk, on Lee and White streets about 6:20 p.m., Officer Donald Hannah told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a statement.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as 40-year-old Michael Butler Jr.

According to CSX officials, Butler was hit by their southbound freight train, which consisted of three locomotives and 100 rail cars, traveling on Norfolk Southern tracks.

“CSX and Norfolk Southern personnel responded to the scene and are cooperating with the Atlanta Police Department, who are investigating the incident,” CSX said in a statement.

The accident did not occur at a public railroad crossing.

“CSX appreciates the swift response by local emergency personnel and we extend our deepest sympathies to those impacted by this tragic event,” the statement continued.

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