[] [BTBBT Daily - 1/2]Man on track killed by bullet train

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A BULLET train struck and killed a man on the track in southeast China's Fujian Province, officials said yesterday.

The man, aged around 30, was hit by a train traveling at about 200 kilometers per hour on Wednesday afternoon near the township of Yuxi.

He died on the spot, rail officials said.

The train halted for 18 minutes before continuing to its destination city of Xiamen, about 200 kilometers away.

In total, nine trains were affected by delays.

Officials said they were still investigating the case in an attempt to determine whether it was an accident or suicide.

It is not unusual for people to cross railway tracks in China, especially in remote areas. Authorities set up fences and signs, but trespassing is frequently reported.

Railway safety in China has come under close scrutiny since two bullet trains collided on July 23 near Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, killing 40 passengers and injuring nearly 200.

The State Council announced on Wednesday that the crash was caused by design flaws in signaling equipment and loopholes in safety management. Fifty-four officials were held responsible.