DEXTER MAN IN SERIOUS CONDITION AFTER HIT BY TRAIN

DEXTER -- A Dexter man is reported in serious condition after being struck by a train Monday night at the Highway 25 underpass.

Union Pacific Engineer Billy R. Mitchell of Little Rock told Dexter Police Department that Gary W. Christian, 37, was sitting on the tracks as the train approached.

Mitchell said he sounded the train's horn several times but that Christian didn't move from the tracks. The engineer said the Dexter man put his hands on his face at the time of the impact, which knocked him from the tracks.

The report said the engineer and train's conductor found the man lying apparently unconscious on the south side of the tracks.

Christian reportedly was taken directly to Dexter Memorial Airport for transport by helicopter to Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau where he was listed in serious condition.

The incident occurred at about 6:30. The eastbound train contained 67 cars and stretched more than a mile.