A 63-year-old man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a train in Truro, N.S.

Chief Dave MacNeil of the Truro Police Service said the incident happened just before 3 p.m. on Friday at the train station in Truro.

As a Via Rail passenger train was slowing at the station, the man, who works for Via, went to step off the train onto the platform.

MacNeil said police are still investigating but it appears the man fell between the train and the platform.

"He came in contact with the train and suffered life-threatening injuries," MacNeil said in a phone interview.

"One of our officers was on foot patrol downtown when this happened and was on scene in about 30 seconds [and] was able to provide life-saving first aid with a bystander. I do believe they saved the man's life, to be honest."

The northbound track at the train station in Truro was closed Friday evening with investigators on scene. (CBC)

A spokesperson for Via said the company is co-operating with authorities during the investigation.

"We deplore this tragic incident and are doing everything in our power to ensure our employee and his family are being fully supported in the coming days," Marie-Anna Murat said in an email.

The train, which was carrying 46 passengers, remained on site while investigators conducted their work.