Tragic Train Accident in Fremont, Ohio Claims Lives of Mother and Daughter; Young Child Missing
FREMONT, OH — A devastating train accident on the evening of Sunday, May 18, has left a community in mourning and a family shattered. The incident, which occurred near the Miles Newton Bridge in Fremont, Ohio — approximately 90 minutes west of Cleveland — resulted in the deaths of a mother and daughter and the disappearance of a 5-year-old girl in the Sandusky River.
Authorities say the tragedy unfolded as a freight train struck multiple pedestrians who were on or near the railway bridge during what was believed to be a peaceful family fishing trip. The crash occurred along a major rail corridor stretching between Toledo and Cleveland, not far from the southern edge of Lake Erie. The area, while scenic and often frequented by locals and visitors for outdoor activities, is an active rail line and not intended for pedestrian access.
The victims have been identified as Mitokala, 58, and her daughter O. Naing, 38. Both women were originally from the Mamu Refugee Camp and had resettled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in recent years in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Their deaths are not only a tragic loss for their immediate community but also resonate deeply within the refugee and immigrant support networks in Indiana and Ohio, where they were known for their resilience and dedication to rebuilding their lives.
In the aftermath of the collision, emergency crews launched an intensive search for a missing 5-year-old girl, believed to be the daughter of O. Naing and granddaughter of Mitokala. Authorities confirmed that she was with her family at the time of the accident and was last seen near the water. Dive teams, search-and-rescue personnel, and drones have been deployed in and around the Sandusky River in an effort to locate the child. As of this writing, the search remains ongoing, with rescue teams continuing to scour the area in the hope of finding her.
Local police, along with representatives from the railroad company and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the incident. Early reports indicate that the family may have been unaware of the dangers posed by walking along or fishing near the active tracks. Officials are reviewing surveillance footage, train logs, and conducting interviews to determine the exact sequence of events and to identify any additional safety concerns.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the Fremont Police Department. “Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of those lost, and we are doing everything we can to find the missing child. We urge everyone to avoid walking or standing on railway bridges or tracks — these areas are extremely dangerous and not meant for public access.”
The incident has prompted renewed calls for increased safety measures and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of railway tracks, especially in areas where access may not be clearly restricted. Local officials have indicated that they will work with railway authorities to assess potential hazards in the area and explore improvements to signage and enforcement.
In Fort Wayne, members of the refugee community have begun organizing support for the surviving relatives of the victims, including fundraising efforts to assist with funeral arrangements and to provide financial aid during this time of unimaginable grief.
Mitokala and O. Naing are remembered by friends and neighbors as deeply devoted to their family and to building a better life in their new home. Their journey from hardship to hope, cut tragically short, serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of sorrow.
Anyone with information that may assist in the ongoing investigation or the search for the missing child is urged to contact the Fremont Police Department.
As rescue efforts continue and the community grieves, the thoughts and prayers of many remain with this family and all those impacted by this heartbreaking accident.