Mother and daughter dead, 5-year-old missing after train hits family on fishing trip

FREMONT, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - Crews in Ohio are searching for a missing 5-year-old child after officials say a train hit a family on a fishing trip, killing two adults and injuring a toddler.

A large family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was on a fishing trip Sunday evening in Fremont, Ohio, when multiple pedestrians were hit by a train, according to Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez. The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. on a bridge above the Sandusky River, WTVG reports.

Two adults – believed to be a mother and daughter, ages 58 and 38 – were killed. A 1-year-old child was taken to a hospital in Toledo, Ohio, Sanchez said.

Crews are still searching along the river for a 5-year-old child who has been missing since the incident. Two dive teams have been at the scene so far, and the mayor says more are on the way.

“This is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community,” Sanchez said.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, along with deputies from Ottawa County and Sandusky County Sheriff’s Offices, are at the scene assisting. The mayor says the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department’s dive team was also requested.

State Rep. Gary Click and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno have reached out to the city to offer any assistance, Sanchez said.

The train involved in the incident was part of the Norfolk Southern train company, who issued a statement to WTVG 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. We are working closely with local authorities on their investigation.”

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