Updated: 11:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12
An Elon University student's foot was struck by a train Saturday morning shortly after midnight, according to the Town of Elon Police Department.
Assistant Chief James Perry told the Burlington Times-News that the student, senior Ryan Lowe, approached the railroad tracks at Lee and Lebanon avenues and a 160-car train rolled over his left foot after it had previously come to a stop.
Elon Police Department officers were not immediately available for comment shortly after the incident. Efforts to contact the department were unsuccessful.
The Town of Elon police report said "Lowe was trespassing on Norfolk Southern Corporation's property at West Lebanon Street near Lee Street" and "was injured by a Norfolk Southern Train as a result of his actions."
The Times-News reports that "police believe Lowe attempted to cross the railroad tracks between two train cars and slipped and fell while trying to climb between the two, his foot landing on the tracks as it happened."
Perry noted that Lowe may have been under the influence of alcohol during the incident. An open 12-ounce can of beer was found at the scene.
Immediately after the incident, Lowe was rushed to Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. He may have to undergo amputation. His injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, according to the police report.