A tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening when a train struck pedestrians walking on a railway bridge in an Ohio city, resulting in two deaths and a missing child. The incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on a bridge approximately 40 feet above the Sandusky River in Fremont, a city located about 40 miles southeast of Toledo.
Two women, aged 38 and 58, lost their lives after being hit by the train. Emergency responders were also involved in a search for a missing 5-year-old child who disappeared after the crash. Additionally, a 1-year-old child was rescued from the river and taken to the hospital. The condition of the infant has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether either child was struck by the train or fell into the water during the event.
Authorities believe the group of four were family members who had traveled from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Fremont for recreational fishing along the Sandusky River. The river is known for white bass fishing, especially in the spring season, attracting many anglers to its banks.
According to the city’s mayor, the family had likely been enjoying time near the river when the tragedy occurred. The mayor also noted that the railway bridge was clearly marked as being designated for trains only, emphasizing the danger of pedestrians being on the bridge.
Witness accounts provided some insight into the moments leading up to the crash. David Tucker III, a 20-year-old fishing nearby, heard the train approaching and sounding its horn intermittently. As the train neared the bridge, the engineer sounded the horn continuously, signaling the train’s approach more urgently.
Mr. Tucker observed several individuals, estimated to be four or five, suddenly fall from the train trestle into the river below. He described seeing only their feet floating down the water, a haunting image that captured the severity of the accident. Mr. Tucker promptly called emergency services at 7:25 p.m., alerting authorities to the unfolding crisis.
His father, David Tucker Jr., also witnessed the panic from his home nearby. Having just returned from work, he heard the train’s horn and the sound of its brakes being slammed. Looking out his window, he saw people in distress and immediately reached out to his son to check on his safety.
Witnesses believe that the victims were attempting to cross the train trestle to reach the opposite side of the river when the collision happened. The trestle is marked with “no trespassing” signs, indicating that pedestrian access is prohibited and underscoring the danger of being on the bridge at any time.
The authorities continue to search the river for the missing 5-year-old child, focusing on the area near the bridge. Rescue teams remain active in their efforts as the community grapples with the devastating event.
The train involved in the accident has not yet been identified by officials, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of the two women and prays for the safe return of the missing child.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by railroad tracks and bridges, especially when marked clearly as restricted areas. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and caution around such hazardous zones to prevent future accidents.
As rescue operations continue, local authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the area and respect warning signs for their safety. The community remains united in support of the affected family, hoping for a positive outcome in the search for the missing child.
