Pedestrian dies after being struck by light rail while crossing intersection

CHARLOTTE — A Blue Line train struck a pedestrian near Orr Road on Saturday morning.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the pedestrian died a day after the crash.

MEDIC responded to the scene around 5:45 a.m. Saturday. Carlos Jamel Michilena, 32, was sent to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 7:40 a.m. on Sunday.

Police said Michilena was in the intersection as the Lynx train was crossing it. He was stuck and thrown from the tracks. Officials said they found him lying near the tracks.

Channel 9 was at the scene where several Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police vehicles could be seen next to the light rail as officers investigated. CATS officials and security were also on scene.

Charlotte Area Transit System officials said all safety measures were operating properly. They said the train operator applied the emergency brakes and sounded the train horn.

CMPD confirmed that all safety mechanisms were in full effect and working properly for the CATS line.

While police investigated and cleared the scene, CATS implemented a bus bridge between Old Concord Road and University City Boulevard.

All operations have since returned to normal, CATS officials said.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking that anyone who witnessed the crash call 704-432-2169.

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