Scott Stevens
Authorities are investigating the death of a man hit by a train in Greer early Friday morning. Traffic at Trade and Depot street and other city railroad crossings was rerouted for nearly five hours.
The body of Daniel Martin Sauvola, 28, was found about 7:30 a.m., according to the Greenville County coroner. Sauvola was hit about 3:10 a.m. according to authorities.
Greer police, Norfolk Southern railroad and the county coroner's office is investigating the death.
“A conductor reported he thought the train hit something when he passed by a little after 3 a.m., said Robin Chapman, Public Relations Director for Norfolk Southern Railroad. “He stopped and looked around and didn’t see anything with it being so dark. Trains behind that one were alerted and several others passed by reporting nothing was found.”
Chapman said the crew from a train that stopped shortly after 7 a.m. found the body under the train and reported it to authorities.
Greer Police Lt. Chris Varner said police have not ruled out foul play. There was some question if the body was placed at the scene. “We don’t know yet if it was criminal or someone trespassing,” Varner said.
The train that stopped was about two miles long and ensnarled traffic in downtown Greer and the gateways to the city for nearly five hours. Vehicle traffic was rerouted at Hwy. 101 at E. Poinsett until 12:15 p.m. Motorists were advised to take Cannon Street to Hwy. 14 during the delay.
Norfolk Southern rerouted its trains during the investigation.