Montville man critically injured when struck by a train while fishing in Norwich

Sep. 24—NORWICH — A 64-year-old Montville man was struck by a train and critically injured while fishing here Thursday night, police said.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was fishing off the train tracks near Trading Cove Drive and Lucas Park Road near the Norwich-Uncasville border and Mohegan Sun. He was struck about 7:57 p.m. by a New England Central Railroad train as it was crossing a trestle bridge that spans the mouth of the cove and the Thames River, according to the Norwich Police Department.

Multiple fire and police departments, including four boats, responded to the scene Thursday night and the man was found near the side of the railroad tracks, East Great Plain Volunteer Fire Department Chief Keith Milton said.

Montville Fire Co. and Mohegan Tribal paramedics initially transported the man from the scene, Milton said. He was first taken to Backus Hospital and later was transferred to Hartford Hospital, where he was in critical condition Friday afternoon, police said.

Police said neither the man nor the train conductor appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident. They said it appeared to be an accident.

Norwich City Fire Department, Mohegan Volunteer Fire Co., Mohegan Tribal Fire Department and state police also responded to the scene, police and fire officials said.

The incident was still under investigation Friday.

t.hartz@theday.com