A train struck a family crossing an Ohio bridge Sunday evening, killing a mother and her adult daughter, injuring a toddler, and leaving rescuers desperately searching for a 5-year-old boy in the river below, according to officials.
Around 7:30 p.m., a Norfolk Southern train struck a family walking on the Mile Newton Bridge in Fremont, a small town in northern Ohio near the shores of Lake Erie, according to local reports and the Fremont Fire Department.
The victims were reportedly thrown off the bridge into the cold waters of the Sandusky River.
A 58-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter were pronounced dead on the scene, and paramedics rushed the child to a Toledo hospital, Mayor Danny Sanchez said at a press conference.
“This is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community,” Sanchez told reporters.
According to Sanchez, the victims were visiting Fremont from Fort Wayne, Indiana for a fishing trip during white bass season in the Sandusky River, which attracts visitors from across the country.
“What we believe began as a fishing trip for a family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, ended in tragedy,” Sanchez told reporters at the scene as a fleet of rescue workers worked around him.
Norfolk Southern provided a statement to 13 Action News following 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,” according to a statement. “We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation.”
Local police and sheriff’s departments, as well as fire and rescue teams from the surrounding area, responded in force.
Divers were still searching in the dark for the missing 5-year-old, and more teams were on their way, Sanchez said.
According to reports, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) also approached Sanchez with an offer of help.
The train resumed its journey around 10:30 p.m., according to WTVG.
