A man believed to have fled after a robbery was hit by a train in Adelaide on Thursday.

The 53-year-old was hit at the level crossing at Draper St. train station on Strathfield Tce just before 3pm.

He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but died shortly afterwards.

According to 7News, the man had stolen a bag of sugar before he was hit by the train.

When the shopkeeper confronted him, the man allegedly punched him, then ran out of the shop and onto the tracks, right in front of an approaching train.

Despite shouts from bystanders urging him to leave, he was unable to get away in time and was hit by the train.

The police will prepare a report for the coroner.

A man believed to have fled after a robbery was hit by a train in Adelaide.