VRE Train Hits, Kills Man on Manassas Line

Update, Oct. 12: Officials said that a man stepped onto the train track with his back towards the train. 

4:45 p.m.: VRE Train 325—the train involved in the striking incident—was allowed to continue on to Manassas Park and other stops south of the incident.

4:09 p.m.: Roeber told Patch that VRE would like to move the train that is stopped on the tracks after Burke Centre station (325) down the line to Manassas Park but is waiting to hear from an incident commander from Fairfax County Police.

A train is waiting in Clifton after departing from the Manassas Park station to pull up alongside 325 and transfer passenger to it if the first scenario is not possible, Roeber told Patch. 

Roeber said 327, 331, 333 are canceled. Routes 329, 335, 337 will run to Burke Centre station where service will be terminated. 

3:45 p.m. Update: Return VRE Trains 336 and 339 are also canceled, according to VRE officials.

3:33 p.m. Update: One adult male was found dead on the railroad tracks, Fairfax County Public Information Officer Shelley Broderick said.

3:28 p.m. Update: Potomac Rappahannock Transit Commission buses are honoring VRE tickets for buses from West Falls Church to Manassas, according to VRE.

3:16 p.m. Update: VRE officials said nine buses are waiting for VRE Train 329 passengers. Buses will transport riders to the Manassas Park stop where a train will be stationed to drop off riders south of that point.

3:02 p.m. Update: Virginia Railway Express officials can't confirm if the person struck by VRE Train 325 died of his or her injuries.  Buses are on the way to pick up the 200 passengers on the train and transport them to their destinations, VRE Spokesman Mark Roeber said. The buses should arrive by 3:30 p.m.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue are on the scene as are VRE staff, he added.

Original Post: 

VRE Train 325 has stopped between Burke Centre and Manassas Park stations reportedly due to a "trespasser that has been struck," according to VRE.  

VRE posted on its website, Facebook and Twitter page at 2:22 p.m. that the train stopped. 

"At this time we recommend that all Manassas riders seek alternate transportation this evening. More information to come as the situation unfolds. Metro option is opened."

VRE trains 331 and 335 are canceled. The system is working to get buses to Burke. 327, 329, 333 and 337 will stop in Burke, buses will take riders to their final destination.

Fairfax County Police are responding to a call they received at 2:08 p.m. on the tracks near Ladues End Road in Fairfax Station, Lucy Caldwell, public information officer for the Fairfax County Police Department, told Patch. Further information was not immediately available. 

Patch will update as more information becomes available.