A Dorchester man was killed in what officials described as a "horrific accident" when he was hit by a train on a railroad bridge in Wareham, Massachusetts, Thursday afternoon, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office.
District Attorney Tim Cruz said the man was fishing on the railroad bridge with a group of friends just before the crash. Cruz said it was about 2:19 p.m. when a Mass Coastal trash train came over the bridge, hitting the man and pushing him into the water below.
Witnesses, including a train conductor, reportedly jumped into the water to try to save him. The man was eventually pulled from the water and taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as 56-year-old Christopher Cater.
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"This is a popular place to fish, especially early in the spring and this time of year," said Jeff Pierce of Wareham. "It's sad that it happened."
Pierce lives down the street and fishes in the spot regularly, exercising caution near the train tracks.
Cruz said the train was traveling around 25 mph at the time of the crash and the horn sounded repeatedly. The conductor and engineer remained on scene and are cooperating with the investigation.
The bridge runs adjacent to Massachusetts Route 6 near the Wareham River. Cruz said the area is a popular fishing spot, though an NBC10 Boston crew reported seeing no trespassing signs posted in the area. Exactly what happened and why the group was on the bridge remains under investigation.
Footage from the scene showed Sandwich Road blocked off and a train that was stopped across the street. Part of the train tracks near a rail bridge were taped off.
NBC10 Boston has reached out to police and fire officials for more information.
