Middlesex DA says Commuter Rail train strikes, kills two people on tracks in Natick

NATICK — Two people were killed late Monday afternoon after they were struck by an MBTA Commuter Rail train while the two were on the railroad tracks.

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office confirmed to WCVB-TV that a man and a woman were fatally struck by the Framingham/Worcester Line train that was headed outbound toward Worcester. A spokesperson said they did not believe foul play was involved.

Daily News calls to the DA's Office and to the Natick Police Department were not immediately returned.

The incident reportedly took place on the tracks near the Washington Avenue bridge, between the Natick Center and West Natick stops. WCVB interviewed a witness who said a man on a bicycle had been assisting a woman who had fallen on the tracks when the train hit both of them.

"He picked up her backpack, she had fallen down, he was trying to pick her up, and then all of the sudden, the train was stopped, and they were both deceased," the witness said.

The DA's Office is investigating the incident. The age and identity of the two victims were not immediately released.

The area along the railroad tracks runs parallel to Peagon Cove bike trail, part of Tony Anniballi Park.

The incident led to significant delays and cancellations during the busy evening commute hours. The 4:45 p.m. train to Worcester was terminated at Natick. The 5 p.m. train to Framingham from South Station was stopped in Auburndale. The 5:45 p.m. train from South Station to Framingham was canceled, as was the 6:15 p.m. express train to Worcester.

The 6:35 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. outbound trains to Worcester were each delayed.

Multiple inbound trains from Worcester and Framingham to South Station were also delayed or canceled. Regular service was restored about 8 p.m. Monday.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Two people struck, killed May 13 by Commuter Rail train in Natick