81-year-old pedestrian killed by train

An 81-year-old man, who appears to have been crossing the tracks to catch a commuter train in Gaithersburg, was struck and killed Friday morning, officials said.

"Witnesses are saying that the gentleman was trying to cross the tracks," said Angela Cruz, a Montgomery County police spokeswoman.

The man lived only blocks away on Russell Avenue, officials said.

Police and rescue workers were called to the scene shortly before 8 a.m. The man was pronounced dead there, officials said.

The incident caused traffic congestion around the MARC train station at 5 South Summit Ave. in downtown Gaithersburg, officials said. MARC train service also has been affected.