One man is dead after being struck by a freight train in the city's west end.

The accident occurred near Runnymede Road and Dundas Street West between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.

The victim, believed to be 36, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesperson for CP Rail said the incident did not occur at the front of the train, which was travelling 80 to 100 kilometres an hour, and the crew was not immediately aware that a pedestrian had come into contact with the train.

Police say alcohol was found at the scene and may have been a factor in the accident.

“The message is clear to people. Stay off the tracks," Sgt. Stephen Burns told CP24's Cristina Tenaglia at the scene.

"When there is alcohol involved, you tend to lose your footing, lose your balance and unfortunately the drivers didn’t realize they had hit something until they arrived in Milton.”