Knoxville Police said a homeless man was lying across railroad tracks in and was hit by a train.

The incident happened at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near 940 Blackstock Avenue.

After an investigation, officers said Elbert Flowers, 63, was lying across the track as a Norfolk Southern train was approaching.

Officers said Flowers is currently homeless.

The train, according to officers, blew its horn and tried to stop, but was unsuccessful, striking Flowers.

Flowers was transported to University of Tennessee Medical Center with life threatening injuries. He is in stable condition.