Railroad tracks back open after deadly Norcross train crash

NORCROSS, Ga. — All railroad tracks are back open after a man died in a train accident in Gwinnett County.
 
The crash shut down railroad crossings during Wednesday morning rush hour in downtown Norcross. The investigation caused traffic in the area.
 
Police told Channel 2's Tony Thomas that they are investigating the accident as a possible suicide.
 
Witnesses say the man made no effort to get off the tracks as the train approached the crossing near Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
 
The engineers got the train stopped about 2,500 feet down the way but it was too late.
 
"I rarely see someone on the tracks, for the most part we love our trains and we respect our tracks," said resident Carey Logan.
 
Investigators with Norfolk Southern and Norcross police spent hours going up and down the track looking for evidence and witnesses. 
 
John Varnell says his wife tried to get a teenager off the tracks just moments before the incident.
 
"She stopped and rolled her window down and she told him it's not a smart thing for you to be doing. Then he just kind of looked at her and kept on walking," Varnell said.
 
"The individual was just standing still waiting for the train to approach. That leaves us to believe that it indeed was a suicide attempt," said Lt. Randa Hafez.
 
Police say the victim was a man wearing a red T-shirt. Authorities are still working to identify him.

Cox Media Group