Train strikes, kills man walking on the tracks in NE Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A young man has died after he was hit by a train in northeast Houston.

It happened around 9am at 6998 Rankin Road near the Eastex Freeway.

Firefighters say the man in his late teens or early 20s was walking down the tracks when he was hit.

The victim was wearing ear buds at the time of the accident. It is not known whether the man heard the train.

Investigators say the young man did not have an ID on him so they could not immediately identify him. Houston Firefighters say the young many had earbuds in at the time of the accident.

Gregory Mouton was visiting his father who lives nearby and hear about the tragedy.

"it's just sad. I send prayers out to the family and to the young man who lost his life, " said Gregory Mourton.