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 scrambling to find a 5-year-old boy in the river below, according to officials.
The Norfolk Southern train struck the family who was on foot around 7:30 p.m. 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 knocked off the bridge into the chilly waters of the Sandusky River.
A 58-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene, and paramedics raced the tot to a Toledo hospital, Mayor Danny Sanchez said during a press conference.
“This is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community,” Sanchez said.
The victims were visiting Fremont from Fort Wayne, Indiana on a fishing trip — which is common this time of year since it’s white bass season in the Sandusky River and people come from all over the country to fish, Sanchez told Cleveland 19 News.
“What we think started off 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 beyond him.
Norfolk Southern issued a statement to 13 Action News after 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,” the statement read. “We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation.”
There was an overwhelming response from local police and sheriff’s departments, as well as fire and rescue teams in the area.
Divers were still searching in the dark for the missing 5-year-old, and more teams were on the way, Sanchez said.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) also reached out to Sanchez to offer help, according to reports.
The train resumed its trip around 10:30 p.m., according to WTVG.
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