SOUTH AMBOY— A 54-year-old Sayreville man was killed by an oncoming train approaching the city's train station on Oct. 21.

Mark Jamison was struck just south of the John Street crossing, said NJ Transit spokesman Joe Dee. Dee said the medical examiner would make a determination as to whether the incident was an accident or a suicide.

The North Jersey Coastline train, No. 3248, was headed toward New York City on track one when it struck Jamison around 1:40 p.m., Dee said.

"From our information, the engineer saw the individual step onto the tracks," Dee said. The engineer applied the brakes, but was unable to stop the train in time. Dee could not confirm the speed the train was going at the time of the incident, but according to published reports, it was around 27 mph. Dee said that to date in 2009, there have been 20 NJ Transit train-related fatalities. However, he could not say when the last time there was an incident near the South Amboy station.

The opening of the newly remodeled South Amboy train station is imminent, Dee said. Since the Oct. 21 incident took place in an area that is "not where a customer should be," there are no additional safety concerns about the new train station.

At the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, acting police chief Darren LaVigne was recognized by the council for his quick actions as he rerouted schoolchildren who use the John Street crossing. Resident Eileen Ryan commended him for his professionalism.

Council President Fred Henry also mentioned that the actions of the city's Fire Department were integral to handling the situation.