McCracken accident: Foreign tourist struck and killed by the Cockle Train near Victor Harbour, South Australia

An elderly tourist visiting Australia has tragically died after being hit by a packed train south of Adelaide.

Emergency services were called to Hayward St in McCracken, just north of Victor Harbor, on Thursday afternoon after a pedestrian was struck by the iconic Cockle Train.

The 87-year-old male overseas tourist died at the scene on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula.

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins described the incident as an 'absolute tragedy' and said her thoughts go out to everyone affected.

“Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to the family of this individual,” she said.

“Our thoughts are also with the driver of the Steam Ranger and everyone involved in the incident.”

The engineer was taken to hospital after suffering shock. He is now assisting police with their investigation.

Shocked passengers sitting in the back witnessed the crash.

Some were 'quite saddened' by the harrowing scenes.

Mark Robinson, 40, told The Adelaide Advertiser it appeared the man was trying to cross the tracks when he was hit.

“It appears someone was hit and he or she was thrown under the train or to the side and ended up in the back of the train,” Robinson said.

The elderly tourist was hit by the train (pictured) while one passenger said the man appeared to be crossing the tracks before he was hit

“We looked out our window and saw a white sheet at the back of the train.”

At least 150 passengers on board the train were taken from the scene in buses and transported to their stops along the train's usual route.

The Cockle Train will remain at the scene until police and representatives from the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator visit the incident site.

Anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to police can provide their details via Crime Stoppers.

The 170-year-old Cockle Train is popular with tourists and locals along Australia's oldest steel railway line.

The train travels from Goolwa to Victor Harbor, starting its journey at the wharf area near the Murray Mouth and ending in Victor Harbor town center.

The 17-year-old Kokkeltrein (photo) is popular among tourists and travelers