A peaceful family fishing trip in northern Ohio ended in heartbreak Sunday evening when a freight train struck a family walking on a railroad bridge. Three people died, and a baby was seriously injured.
The accident happened in Fremont, a small city about 40 miles southeast of Toledo, on a bridge that crosses the Sandusky River.
Who Were the Victims?
The family involved was visiting from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had come to the area for a day of fishing and spending time together.
Those who lost their lives were:
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Ram Masan, 50
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O Ny Zar, 34
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Their 5-year-old daughter, Intisar Mi
Their 14-month-old baby survived the incident but is in critical condition at a hospital in Toledo.
What Happened?
The family was reportedly walking across a railroad bridge when a Norfolk Southern freight train came through. It’s not yet clear whether the train struck all four people directly or if some may have fallen or jumped into the river to try and avoid being hit.
Emergency crews were called to the scene around 7:30 p.m., and divers, police, and fire rescue teams worked for hours to locate and recover the victims. Train service resumed around 10:30 p.m.
Not a Public Walkway
The bridge where the accident happened is not open to the public and is marked with “No Trespassing” signs. It’s meant only for trains and not safe for walking. Authorities say the family likely didn’t realize the danger, and the train had little or no time to stop once the crew spotted people on the tracks.
Witnesses nearby said they heard the train blowing its horn and saw people falling from the bridge into the river as it passed.
Community in Shock
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community. Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez called it a “devastating and heartbreaking loss.”
Norfolk Southern, the company operating the train, has offered its condolences to the family and said it is fully cooperating with investigators to understand exactly what happened.
Safety Reminder: Stay Off the Tracks
This sad incident serves as a painful reminder of how dangerous it is to walk on or near train tracks. According to U.S. transportation officials, hundreds of people die each year in the U.S. from accidents while trespassing on railroad property.
Railroads are private property, and it’s illegal — and extremely dangerous — to walk along or cross them outside of marked pedestrian or road crossings. Trains can’t stop quickly, and they’re often quieter than people expect.
What’s Next?
Police and rail investigators are still piecing together what led to the accident. In the meantime, the city of Fremont is mourning the loss of three lives — and hoping for the recovery of the surviving child.
If you or someone you know ever sees someone walking on railroad tracks, authorities say it’s important to speak up or report it. A small warning could save a life.
