An unspeakable tragedy has struck in Fremont, Ohio, after a train collision claimed the lives of two individuals and left a young child critically injured, with another child still missing. The Sandusky County Sheriff's Office is leading an ongoing search effort for the missing five-year-old girl who went into the water following the incident last night.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when a train approached the Miles Newtown Bridge over the Sandusky River, where a family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was present during a fishing trip. Cleveland 19 detailed that all four individuals—a 58-year-old woman, her 38-year-old daughter, a 14-month-old baby, and the now missing five-year-old—ended up in the river under unclear circumstances. It has not been confirmed if they were directly struck by the train. Fishermen in the vicinity rescued the baby and administered CPR, reviving the child, who was then transported in critical condition to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
According to a report from WECT, two adults, believed to be a mother and her daughter, aged 58 and 38 respectively, were pronounced dead at the scene. Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez expressed his grief, calling the event “a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community.” The mayor further disclosed that additional dive teams were dispatched to aid in the search for the missing child, who was last seen along the Sandusky River.
Diverse agencies, including Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and officials from neighboring Ottawa and Sandusky counties, have collaborated on the search and investigation. Cleveland 19 reports that Norfolk Southern, the train company involved, has been working closely with local authorities. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the community during this difficult time," a statement from the company read.
Fremont Safety Service Director Ken Frost stated that the relationship between the women and the children remains unclear, according to People's reporting. The Sandusky River is a known fishing spot, possibly drawing the family to its waters on that fateful evening.
