Three members of the same family have been killed, and a toddler is injured after being struck by a train in Ohio.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday night when the family was on or near a bridge.
A mother, age 58, a daughter, age 38, and a five-year-old were killed in Fremont, close to the Miles Newton Bridge.
The bridge crosses over the Sandusky River.
The five-year-old was thrown into the river when the collision happened.
Her body was found in the river on Monday around noon after dive teams and rescue boats spent all night and morning searching for her.
A 14-month-old female child was also injured and was taken to the hospital.
The family was reportedly on a fishing trip in the area and may not have known that a train would come through the area over the bridge.
They lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
They were among many people who visit the area to fish during white bass season.
During a press conference about the accident, Mayor Danny Sanchez told reporters:
“This is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community.”
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, deputies from Ottawa County and Sandusky County sheriff’s departments, and the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department were all involved in the response to the collision and search for the missing girl.
Police declared the scene a “mass casualty accident.”
It wasn’t typical of other recent mass casualty incidents, though, which are not accidents but are typically caused by a shooter or faulty operator.
Norfolk Southern said in a statement about the incident:
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our hearts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the community during this difficult time.
“We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation.”
There is no indication that the train was at fault in the incident.
The bridge is not normally used by pedestrians.
The Federal Railroad Administration said of the incident:
“The Federal Railroad Administration extends our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible event.
“This tragedy is a vivid reminder of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property, and we hope this extremely unfortunate occurrence will raise public awareness of such dangers.”
It is likely going to take some time to sort out what exactly led the family to be on the bridge and how they came to be struck by the train.
Until then, the community will be in shock and mourning.
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