The operator of a street sweeping machine was killed yesterday when his vehicle was struck by a freight train inside the loading tunnel of a Carroll County cement firm, according to state police at the Westminster Barracks.

Police said Ronald L. Stewart, 41, was sweeping the inside of the tunnel at the Lehigh Cement Co. in the 100 block of S. Main St. in Union Bridge about 1: 20 p.m. when a train, backing up in the tunnel to take a load of cement, struck the sweeping machine, pushing it against the wall and crushing Stewart, of Union Bridge.

Police said Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene. They said the incident is being investigated by the state's Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Pub Date: 7/02/98