A pedestrian was struck and killed by a freight train Tuesday morning in Plymouth, authorities said.

The person hit, a male of unknown age, has not been identified. It also has yet to be determined how he came to be on the tracks when he was struck shortly before 8 a.m.

The eastbound Canadian Pacific train, heading from North Dakota to the Gulf Coast, remained stopped between Larch and Zachary lanes until about 11:15 a.m., said rail spokesman Kevin Hrysak.

While parked, it blocked Larch Lane near 53rd Avenue and a walking path.

Deputy Police Chief Dan Plekkenpol said the train had to stay put to allow its personnel to be replaced, which is standard under these circumstances.

The train was pulling more than 60 cars, measured more than three-quarters of a mile long and was hauling various commodities, Hrysak said.

PAUL WALSH