Jerome Brandon killed in train accident in Durham on May 13.

Police are still trying to determine why a man who was struck and killed by a freight train in downtown Durham on Monday failed to get off the tracks as the train approached.

Jerome Brandon of 407 Pineland Avenue in North Durham was pronounced dead at the scene near the intersection of Pettigrew and Dillard streets, said police spokesman Kammie Michael.

Police say an eastbound Norfolk Southern freight train struck Brandon, 31, while he was walking on the tracks about 4 p.m.

A man who called 911 told an emergency dispatcher that “a train hit somebody, or somebody jumped off the train.”

“The train was going pretty fast,” said the 911 caller, whose name was not made public. “I saw the guy get knocked down. He got knocked a pretty good little ways.”

The train stopped after the accident. Police closed down the intersection while investigating the collision.

Police are trying to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash, Michael said Tuesday.