Man killed after being hit by train in Hastings

Police say the 33-year-old victim intentionally moved into the path of the oncoming locomotive

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:50pm

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A 33-year-old man was struck and killed by a train in Hastings, Nebraska on Tuesday night. According to police, the man had concealed himself behind a concrete pillar near the tracks and then intentionally moved into the path of the approaching train.

Why it matters

Train-related fatalities are a tragic but relatively rare occurrence in the state of Nebraska, with the last major incident happening over a year ago. This incident raises questions about mental health, suicide prevention, and the safety of rail infrastructure in the city of Hastings.

The details

Hastings Police officers responded to the scene around 8 p.m. near the Highway 281 and Burlington Avenue overpass, where they found the deceased man. An investigation determined the victim had concealed himself behind a large concrete pillar near the tracks and then deliberately moved into the path of the oncoming locomotive.

  • The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Hastings Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident.

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What’s next

Hastings Police are continuing to investigate the incident and will work to notify the victim's next of kin.

The takeaway

This tragic event highlights the need for greater mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts in the Hastings community, as well as the importance of railway safety and infrastructure improvements to protect pedestrians.