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Man Killed by Commuter Train Near Rocky Hollow Road in East Greenwich

A man was struck and killed by an MBTA Providence Line train near Rocky Hollow Road in East Greenwich on Friday morning, disrupting commuter service and prompting an investigation by transit and local authorities.

Man Killed by Commuter Train Near Rocky Hollow Road in East Greenwich

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — A man was struck and killed by an MBTA commuter rail train near Rocky Hollow Road on Friday morning, according to East Greenwich police, in an incident that disrupted Providence Line service and prompted a multi-agency investigation.

The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was hit by an inbound train headed to Boston's South Station, police said. An MBTA Transit Police spokesperson said the man intentionally placed himself on the tracks and died from his injuries.

Emergency crews, including police, firefighters, ambulances and transit personnel, gathered along the tracks beneath the Rocky Hollow Road overpass and remained at the scene for several hours as investigators walked the rail corridor.

The disruption began before dawn. Around 6:30 a.m., the MBTA alerted riders on social media to expect delays because of police activity on the tracks, and the 6:02 a.m. Providence Line train departing from Wickford Junction was canceled. The agency suggested RIPTA buses as an alternative, and Amtrak also reported delays Friday morning.

East Greenwich police said no additional information was available. The state medical examiner's office is also investigating.

The death marks the third time this week that a person has been struck by a commuter rail train in the region. Two similar incidents occurred Tuesday afternoon in Massachusetts: a man was struck and later pronounced dead in Readville, and about 15 minutes later a woman was struck by another commuter rail train in Abington and also died from her injuries.

Friday's incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety along the Providence Line corridor, where trains pass through densely settled neighborhoods and cross roads like Rocky Hollow Road. Transit advocates have long called for expanded mental health outreach, clearer signage and stronger barriers at crossings to prevent tragedies on the rails.

Riders should check with the MBTA for updated schedules. Anyone in crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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