Mass Casualty Incident in Fremont Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured, and a Child Missing After Train Strikes Multiple Pedestrians on Hayes Avenue; Emergency Crews Continue Search Efforts in Nearby River
Mass Casualty Incident in Fremont Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured, and a Child Missing After Train Strikes Multiple Pedestrians on Hayes Avenue; Emergency Crews Continue Search Efforts in Nearby River
A tranquil Sunday evening in Fremont, Ohio, turned to tragedy when a mass casualty incident was declared on the 500 block of Hayes Avenue following a devastating event that left two individuals confirmed dead, several others injured, and a desperate search ongoing for a missing 5-year-old child feared to be in the nearby river.
At approximately 6:43 PM, local emergency dispatchers began receiving frantic calls reporting a group of pedestrians struck by a freight train traveling through a heavily trafficked corridor of Fremont. What began as a routine evening for residents in the neighborhood rapidly escalated into a full-scale emergency response scene involving local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS crews, and specialized search and rescue teams.
The Incident: A Harrowing Collision
According to preliminary reports from Fremont Public Safety officials, the group of pedestrians was walking near the railway tracks on the 500 block of Hayes Avenue when the train barreled through, making impact with several individuals. Authorities have not confirmed the reason for the group’s proximity to the tracks at the time of the collision. There are ongoing investigations into whether the incident occurred at a designated crossing or along a restricted zone.
First responders who arrived at the scene encountered a devastating sight: victims strewn across the area near the tracks, personal belongings scattered, and signs of immediate trauma and chaos. Bystanders attempted to provide aid, while several others looked on in horror, many in shock and disbelief.
Casualty Details: Fatalities, Injuries, and Missing Persons
Authorities confirmed that two individuals died at the scene and were classified as “Black Tag” victims, a term used in triage systems to designate those who are deceased or beyond help. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The exact nature of their injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but multiple witnesses indicated that at least one victim had to undergo prolonged CPR attempts by emergency medical personnel before being pronounced dead on-site.
One additional person involved in the incident was designated a “Green Tag” victim, indicating injuries that are not life-threatening. That individual was transported to a nearby medical facility for further observation and treatment. Their current condition is reported to be stable.
Tragically, authorities also revealed that two individuals remain unaccounted for, one of whom is a 5-year-old child believed to have been swept into the nearby river following the incident. Water rescue units, equipped with sonar equipment, rescue dogs, and dive teams, have since been deployed in an urgent search and recovery operation along the Sandusky River that runs adjacent to the railroad.
Emergency Response: Multi-Agency Coordination and Recovery Efforts
The Fremont Police Department was the first agency to respond to the scene, quickly followed by Sandusky County EMS and Fremont Fire & Rescue. Upon arrival, first responders assessed the chaotic and hazardous environment, initiated triage procedures, and secured the area to prevent further incidents.
Given the scale and complexity of the situation, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) status was declared—activating additional medical resources and drawing in mutual aid units from neighboring jurisdictions including Clyde, Green Springs, and Bellevue.
Mobile Incident Command Posts were established on site, and a reunification center was set up at a nearby community center for those looking to locate loved ones. Fremont Mayor Angela Whitman issued a public statement via social media expressing condolences and calling the incident “an unimaginable tragedy for our community.”
Water rescue units from the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were summoned to aid in locating the missing child and adult. As of this writing, the search is ongoing, with rescue teams working against dwindling daylight and swiftly moving river currents.
Unanswered Questions: The Investigation Begins
While recovery and rescue remain the top priorities for officials, investigators from the Fremont Police Department and representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have already begun collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and rail operations have been temporarily halted in the affected area.
One pressing question that remains unanswered is why the group was near or on the railway tracks. Although it is not uncommon for pedestrians to cross or walk along tracks in semi-urban areas, doing so can be both illegal and extremely dangerous. Investigators are exploring several possibilities:
- Whether the group may have been using the tracks as a shortcut.
- If the individuals were participating in any unauthorized activities such as photoshoots or gatherings near the rails.
- Whether there were any mechanical or signaling failures that may have contributed to the collision.
- Whether adequate fencing or signage was in place warning individuals of the danger.
As of now, no foul play is suspected, but officials emphasize that it is far too early to draw conclusions.
Community Response: Shock, Mourning, and Support
In the wake of the tragedy, the Fremont community has come together in collective mourning. Vigils are already being organized by local churches, and residents have begun placing flowers and memorial items near the scene. Community leaders, including members of the city council and local clergy, are calling for compassion, patience, and solidarity as the full details of the incident continue to emerge.
“We are heartbroken,” said Pastor Samuel Thompson of the Fremont First Church. “This is a loss that ripples through every corner of our city. Our prayers are with the families of those lost, those still missing, and all the first responders who are doing everything in their power to help.”
Mental health professionals from Fremont Community Health Services have been dispatched to assist both witnesses and survivors, offering crisis counseling and grief support.
A GoFundMe campaign has reportedly been launched to assist the families affected by the incident, although the legitimacy of donation pages is currently being verified by officials.
Public Advisory and Safety Awareness
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid the area surrounding the 500 block of Hayes Avenue to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction. The railway remains shut down for an indefinite period, pending the results of the investigation and clearance from state officials.
Public safety officials also took the opportunity to remind residents of the dangers posed by railroad tracks and crossings:
- Always obey signage and warning systems.
- Do not walk, play, or take shortcuts along train tracks.
- Remember that trains cannot stop quickly and often cannot avoid an accident even when spotted in advance.
- Report any suspicious activity or damaged infrastructure to authorities.
The FRA notes that every year in the United States, hundreds of people lose their lives or are seriously injured in railroad-related pedestrian accidents—many of which are preventable.
Ongoing Coverage and What Comes Next
As of late Sunday night, the search continues for the two individuals still missing in the river. Search and recovery operations are expected to continue into the early hours and may resume at daybreak if visibility or weather conditions deteriorate.
Authorities are expected to release the names of the deceased victims once next of kin have been notified and identities confirmed. Autopsies will be conducted by the Sandusky County Coroner’s Office.
City officials will hold a press conference Monday morning to provide updates, answer media inquiries, and outline the city’s next steps in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy.
Conclusion: A City in Grief, A Call for Vigilance
The events of May 18, 2025, will not soon be forgotten in Fremont. What was meant to be a peaceful evening turned into a harrowing reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of safety near railroad infrastructure.
While much remains unknown, what is certain is that lives were irreparably changed. Families are grieving. A child remains missing. And a city stands united in the face of heartbreak, determined to support one another and to seek answers that might prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
The Channel2 NOW team will continue to follow this developing story and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
If you or someone you know witnessed the incident and is in need of support, please contact the Fremont Crisis Support Hotline at (800) 555-1212.
For ongoing updates, visit channel2now.com or follow @Channel2NOW on all social platforms.
