A local man was struck and killed by a train Thursday evening around 8:15 p.m. in Pinehurst and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident occurred near The Cradle short course at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, close to The Engine Room 87: The Locomotive Bar along N.C. Highway 5, according to officials.

According to a press release from the Village of Pinehurst, the train involved was operated by Carolina Western Railroad. Authorities have not release the name of the man, but Moore County News can confirm the man lived locally in Moore County.

Authorities are still investigating why the man may have been on the tracks. Witnesses told Moore County News the man had been in the area with friends before stepping onto the tracks in front of a slow-moving train. They said it appeared that he may not have noticed the train approaching. Based on witness accounts, the incident appears to have been a tragic accident, though officials have not confirmed a cause.

Officials said that section of track has a maximum speed limit of 25 mph for trains, though trains typically travel around 15 mph in the area due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic.

The train blocked Morganton Road at Highway 5 for several hours.