SANDUSKY COUNTY, Ohio — Three people are dead and one person is in critical condition after a crash involving a train in Sandusky County Sunday evening, according to our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV and WOIO-19 TV.
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The crash occurred near the Miles Newton Bridge in Fremont around 7 p.m. This bridge goes over the Sandusky River.
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Freemont Mayor Danny Sanchez said the victims were all family members from Fort Wayne, Indiana, both stations report.
According to WOIO-19, the group was walking across the bridge when a train approached around 7:30 p.m.
The family ended up in the water shortly after.
Safety Service Director Kenneth Frost identified the three victims as:
- 50-year-old Ram Masa
- 34-year-old O Ny Zar
- 5-year-old Intisar Mi
Masa and Zar have been identified as mother and daughter and were pronounced dead on scene, WOIO-19 reported.
The 5-year-old girl went missing after the crash.
Authorities searched the Sandusky River to Sandusky Bay for the girl, but eventually located her body underneath the bridge where her family was struck around noon on Monday, both stations report.
14-month-old Arti Kar was also involved in the crash.
WOIO-19 reported that a fisherman pulled the baby girl from the water, immediately started CPR and got her breathing again.
The child was flown to an area hospital, where she remains in critical condition, according to WTOL-11.
Sanchez said the four victims were the only people involved.
Both stations report that the group was in Fremont on a fishing trip, but it is unclear if they were fishing on the bridge at the time of the incident.
Sanchez added that this bridge is not for pedestrians and has a “No Trespassing” sign.
The train involved is owned by Norfolk Southern, which is one of the largest freight rail carriers in the eastern U.S.
The company released a statement to WTOL-11 about the crash.
<i>“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.”</i>
— Norfolk Southern spokeserson
Ohio ranks in the top 10 states for rail-related pedestrian deaths, according to the Federal Railroad Administration
WTOL-11 obtained a statement from the administration about this incident.
<i>“The Federal Railroad Administration extends our deepest sympathies to those affected by this terrible event. This tragedy is a vivid reminder of the dangers of trespassing on railroad property and we hope this extremely unfortunate occurrence will raise public awareness of such dangers.”</i>
— Federal Railroad Administration spokesperson
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
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