Train hits teen walking on tracks in Waverly

A Litchfield teen was hospitalized in critical condition after being hit by a train Monday night, the Wright County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Tre Ertl, 18, was believed to be walking on the tracks near 4th Street in Waverly when he was hit by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train about 7:30 p.m., said Sheriff Joe Hagerty in a news release.

An initial report said the engineer of the eastbound train saw Ertl on the tracks, sounded the horn and applied the brakes but was unable to stop before striking Ertl, Hagerty said.

Deputies and paramedics found Ertl lying on the north side of the tracks. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.