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MIDVALE, Utah (AP) -- A northbound light-rail train struck and killed a man who jumped into its path in Midvale Monday, police said.
"He was in the middle of the two tracks hiding behind a power pole, which powers the train," Midvale Police Sgt. John Salazar said. "Once that train got close enough where there could be no reaction by the conductor, he jumped out."
The TRAX train was traveling at 55 miles per hour between the Midvale and Sandy stations when the incident occurred, UTA spokeswoman Carrie Bohnsack-Ware said. About 25 passengers were on board.
The impact threw the man about 30 yards, Salazar said. He was transported by an ambulance to a hospital, where he died.
An autopsy is being conducted.
The man was not carrying any identification, Salazar said.
The accident halted TRAX train travel in both directions for just over an hour, Bohnsack-Ware said. A "bus bridge" was provided for TRAX riders while rail lines were shut down.
Per UTA policy, the conductor has been placed on paid administrative leave. He'll under go drug and alcohol screening and counseling before returning to work.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
