Body of man found on train tracks near Intermodal Center

A man’s body was found on the train tracks next to the Intermodel Center, a train and bus station in downtown Spokane, Thursday evening.

A maintenance man discovered the body just after 6 p.m., said Spokane Police Sgt. Glenn Bartlett. The man appears to be in his mid 50’s.

“We don’t know if this was an accident or a suicide,” Bartlett said. “He was hit. There is trauma.”

The tracks, which belong to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, were shut down for about two hours while police collected evidence. Major Crimes detectives are investigating the case.

Some nearby buildings appear to have video surveillance systems and Bartlett said the cameras would be checked to see if there is footage of the incident.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said no train crews reported seeing anyone on the tracks in the area but they are being questioned to make sure. “We’re investigating further,” he said.

The man’s identity will be released after the medical examiner performs an autopsy.