x
Breaking News
More () »

2 people hit, killed by same train in span of 12 hours

Amtrak train 79 was on its way to Charlotte from New York City.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In separate incidents, two people were hit and killed by the same train in a span of 12 hours, according to Amtrak

Amtrak train 79 was on its way to Charlotte from New York City Thursday night.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications. 

The first incident happened near Burlington, North Carolina. Around 8 p.m. Thursday, a person trespassing on the tracks was hit by the train. Burlington Police confirmed the man died in that incident, and the department is investigating.

Then around 12:45 a.m. Friday, near Charlotte, a person also trespassing on the tracks was hit by the same train. Medic confirmed the person, 43-year-old Jerome Lydell Nelson, died at the scene on Old Concord Road.

So far, the investigation shows that Nelson was sitting on the westernmost train track when he was hit by the Amtrak train, which was traveling southbound on the track.

Nelson’s next of kin has been notified of his death.

Toxicology results are pending.

There were 199 passengers along with crew members onboard during the first incident, and 106 passengers along with crew on board during the second incident. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported either time. 

A Charlotte Area Transit System bus responded to the Charlotte scene around 2 a.m. to take the passengers to the Amtrak station on North Tryon Street.

Both incidents are under investigation at this time.

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Click here to sign up for the daily WCNC Charlotte newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out