Authorities are investigating the death of a BNSF Railway conductor who was struck by a passing train in Columbus, Montana, on Sunday.

The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. when the conductor was reportedly between two trains, one of which was moving.

Columbus Fire Rescue’s assistant chief, Nick Jacobs, said it was unclear how the conductor was struck.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) responded to the scene.

BNSF referred all questions about the incident to the NTSB.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, the Associated Press has reported.

Columbus is a small town of about 2,000 people, located 40 miles southwest of Billings.

A 2023 FRA report found that while BNSF generally works to improve safety, front-line workers sometimes hesitate to report concerns due to fear of discipline.

The report was part of a broader review of major U.S. railroads following the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Investigators are examining the circumstances to determine how the fatal accident occurred.