Two women were hit and killed by a train Sunday in southeast Charlotte.

Investigators are trying to identify them and figure out why they were crossing the tracks.

The train was headed south around 3:30 a.m. and hit the women on the 8500 block of Monroe Road near Village Lake Drive.

The train’s engineer told Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department investigators that it looked like someone was sleeping on the tracks as the train approached.

Authorities said the conductor blared the horn and tried to slow down, but the woman never moved.

After the train came to a stop, the engineer got out and discovered two women were hit.

Some people Eyewitness News spoke with were shocked to hear about the gruesome discovery.

Store clerk Jeff Koterba said there's always lots of activity on those tracks.

"People that are messed up a lot go back there and rest and take naps. I mean, I've found makeshift beds back there," Koterba said.

Police have not revealed any details about what may have led the women to this area.

Koterba said he’d like to see extra police patrols, especially at night.

Police said the women did not have any identification. If you know anything about this case, you're asked to call CMPD.