CENTRAL, SC — A quiet Saturday morning in Central turned tragic after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a train near a busy intersection, according to the Pickens County Coroner’s Office. The deadly incident happened in the heart of town and prompted a multi-agency investigation that remains ongoing.
Coroner Andrew Wilson and Deputy Coroner Marsha Alexander responded to the scene at approximately 9:47 a.m. on February 7, 2026. Authorities were called to the area of Watkins Street and West Main Street after receiving reports of a train-related collision involving a pedestrian. When officials arrived, they found a man who had suffered fatal injuries.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as James O’Neill, a 57-year-old resident of Central, South Carolina. Officials confirmed his identity after notifying his family. No other injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
At this time, limited details have been released about how the collision occurred. Authorities have not said whether O’Neill was attempting to cross the tracks, walking near the rail line, or standing in the area when the train struck him. The train crew was not injured, and no passengers were reported to be involved.
The area surrounding Watkins Street and West Main Street was temporarily secured while investigators conducted their work. Law enforcement officers, coroner staff, and railroad officials examined the scene, documented evidence, and worked to determine the events leading up to the fatal collision. Traffic in the area experienced minor disruptions during the investigation.
The incident is being investigated by the Pickens County Coroner’s Office, the Central Police Department, and Norfolk Southern, the company that operates the train. Officials said this type of joint investigation is standard for fatal train incidents. Authorities have not released information about possible contributing factors, such as speed or visibility, and said more details may be provided as the investigation continues. Officials are reminding the public to remain alert and cautious around railroad tracks, emphasizing that trains cannot stop quickly and collisions are often deadly.
