SANDUSKY COUNTY, OH — A tragic train accident in northern Ohio on Sunday evening claimed the lives of two women and left a child missing in the Sandusky River, according to Fremont officials.
Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez confirmed that a 58-year-old woman and her 38-year-old daughter, both visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana, were struck and killed by a train while on a family fishing trip in Fremont. Crews are actively searching for a 5-year-old child believed to have been with them at the time of the accident.
A 1-year-old infant was also present and was transported to a local hospital. No update on the baby’s condition has been released.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the area above the Sandusky River near Hayes Avenue around 7:30 p.m. The Fremont Police Department said the accident occurred on the Miles Newton Bridge. The bridge is currently closed, though State Street remains open.
The train involved remained stationary for several hours and resumed operation around 10:30 p.m., local outlet WTVG reported.
Mayor Sanchez stated that the victims were part of a family visiting from Fort Wayne for a fishing outing. “It’s devastating for everyone involved,” he said, noting that support has come in from state and federal leaders. Ohio State Representative Gary Click and U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno have both contacted the city to offer assistance.
In a statement issued to 19 News, Norfolk Southern, the railway operator, expressed condolences:
“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.”
Fremont Police, the Fremont Fire Department, the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol continue to investigate. No further details have been released.
This story is developing. Authorities continue to search for the missing child and monitor the condition of the hospitalized infant. More updates will follow as confirmed information becomes available.
