A rescue operation was needed to get to the man, who remained in critical condition at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center the morning after being struck by the The New York Susquehanna Western Railroad train around 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, Elmwood Park Police Chief Michael Foligno told Daily Voice.
The man was "walking over the Passaic River bridge that goes over River Road by the [Soundview] paper mill with his back to the train," the chief said Monday morning.
"They signaled to try and warn him but it didn't seem like he heard it."
"He ended up perpendicular across the beam," the chief said. "He was still breathing but not conscious when the rescuers got to him, with severe injuries to his head and facial area, as well as a possible compound fracture to his lower right leg."
He also wasn't carrying any identification, Foligno said.
An investigation was continuing.
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