Ram Masan, Intisar Mi Obituary, Death – Three members of a family from Fort Wayne, Indiana, lost their lives in a tragic accident after being struck by a train while on a railroad bridge in northern Ohio. Authorities confirmed on Monday, May 19, that the victims included two women and a 5-year-old girl who were on a fishing trip along the Sandusky River. The devastating incident occurred Sunday night, when the family found themselves on the bridge as a train approached.
The victims were identified by Fremont city officials as 50-year-old Ram Masan, 34-year-old O Ny Zar, and 5-year-old Intisar Mi. A fourth family member, a 1-year-old girl, survived the incident but remains in critical condition, according to the city’s statement.
Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez held a press conference on Monday where he provided more insight into the events surrounding the incident. He stated that search crews, utilizing sonar technology, had been combing the Sandusky River throughout the night in hopes of recovering the body of the missing child. They eventually located and recovered the 5-year-old’s body near the bridge early Monday.
The circumstances leading to the tragedy remain under investigation. According to Mayor Sanchez, it is unclear whether all four family members were struck by the train directly or if some were thrown or jumped into the river in an attempt to escape the oncoming locomotive. The railroad bridge, which crosses over the Sandusky River, is not designed for pedestrian access and is clearly posted with “No Trespassing” signs. Sanchez emphasized that while the family was on a fishing outing, it is not believed they were fishing from the bridge at the time the train arrived.
Further details about how the family came to be on the bridge have not been confirmed. However, officials reiterated that the bridge is private railroad property and not a designated public space. The mayor described the situation as heartbreaking, noting that the bridge’s remote and isolated location might have given the family a false sense of safety.
The family members who died included a mother and her adult daughter, according to city officials. Their presence on the bridge has raised questions about whether they were attempting to cross the span or had been using it to access a fishing spot near the riverbank. Fremont authorities are working closely with Norfolk Southern, the railway company operating the train involved in the incident, to gather information and determine what happened.
In a statement released Monday, Norfolk Southern expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event and extended condolences to the victims’ family. The company also stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation being led by local authorities.
The Fremont Police Department, along with other emergency responders, arrived at the scene Sunday night after receiving reports of the accident. The investigation has involved local law enforcement, fire and rescue teams, and dive crews who worked overnight to locate the missing child. The swift-flowing Sandusky River, which runs beneath the railroad bridge, presented challenges during the recovery effort, necessitating specialized sonar equipment.
Mayor Sanchez thanked the emergency personnel who responded to the call and worked through the night, noting their professionalism and dedication under difficult circumstances. He added that the community is grieving the loss and that support is being offered to the surviving family members and first responders affected by the incident.
As news of the accident spread, residents of both Fremont and Fort Wayne expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of life. Community members have begun organizing efforts to support the surviving child and any relatives who may now be caring for her. Officials have not released additional details about the child or her current medical condition beyond stating that she remains in critical care.
The tragedy has highlighted ongoing concerns about safety on or near railroad tracks and infrastructure. Authorities reiterated the importance of adhering to posted warnings and avoiding trespassing on railroad property. While the investigation continues, officials are also evaluating whether further safety measures might be warranted in the area to prevent future incidents.
In the days ahead, Fremont officials plan to work closely with Norfolk Southern and safety experts to understand the full scope of the accident and ensure all appropriate protocols were followed. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the loss of three lives and hoping for the recovery of the youngest survivor. Mayor Sanchez concluded his remarks by urging the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers and to respect the ongoing investigation.
As of now, the precise timeline of events remains uncertain, and authorities have not disclosed whether the train crew had any opportunity to stop or slow the train before impact. More details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
