Man’s body found on railroad tracks in Washougal

The Washougal Police Department and BNSF Railway are investigating after a man’s body was found on railroad tracks running through town Saturday morning.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said the body was discovered at 7:15 a.m. by a westbound train’s crew, who called 911. The body was found in the railroad right of way between 20th and 24th streets. It was not at a crossing.

Police described the man as white and in his 20s. His identity wasn’t released pending notification of next of kin.

Melonas said it appeared that the man had been struck by an eastbound train earlier in the morning. Investigators are interviewing crew members and reviewing video from those trains.

It was the second fatality of the year on BNSF property in Washington state, according to Melonas. He said 27 people died last year, a record.

Police said no foul play is suspected, adding the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating.

Train traffic was halted during the investigation, affecting four freight trains and one Amtrak train, according to Melonas. The tracks were reopened at about 10:30 a.m.