MERRIAM, KS (KCTV) -
A man is dead after being struck by a train in Merriam overnight.
The train was traveling about 30 to 35 miles per hour at the time about 2 a.m. near the intersection of West 57th Street and Kessler Lane, which is just west of Interstate 35, and north of Johnson Drive.
Police say the Burlington Northern Santa Fe train was northbound, and had just passed Johnson Drive, when the engineer noticed a man laying on the tracks. The engineer tried to stop the train before striking the man, but couldn't.
The train had about 65 cars, most of which were empty.
The man was dead at the scene.
Merriam police have not yet identified the man, and are asking for the public's assistance to report to them anyone who might be missing.
Both directions of Johnson Drive just west of I-35 are shut down as police investigate the incident. They hope to have the street reopened, and the train moved by 7 a.m. Wednesday.
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