Train Strikes Pedestrians in Fremont, Ohio; Search and Recovery Operations Underway Along Sandusky River
Fremont, Ohio – May 18, 2025 — A tragic and chaotic scene unfolded in Fremont, Sandusky County on Sunday evening as a train struck multiple pedestrians near the Hayes Avenue Bridge, sparking a mass-casualty emergency response and a desperate search for victims who may have been swept into the Sandusky River.
According to initial reports from emergency radio communications, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. near the bridge, which sits close to Bradys Island, a location where train tracks run adjacent to the river and a pedestrian pathway. Witnesses described a horrific scene as the train approached and struck a group of people who had reportedly been walking along or near the tracks.
Multiple Casualties and People Missing
Authorities have confirmed multiple casualties, with two fatalities reported at the scene. Several others sustained injuries, and at least two individuals are currently unaccounted for — including a 5-year-old child who is feared to have fallen into the river during the incident. Their names have not been released.
Emergency services from across Sandusky County, including Fremont Police Department, Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Fire and EMS personnel, and Search and Rescue units, were quickly mobilized to the site. Given the proximity to the river and the possibility of drowning victims, a large-scale water search was immediately initiated.
Aerial and Water-Based Search Operations
Mercy Health Life Flight responded with a helicopter to provide aerial surveillance over the river and surrounding wooded areas, while boats and dive teams were deployed into the Sandusky River to assist in the effort. As of late Sunday night, searchers were still scouring the water and riverbanks for any signs of the missing individuals, braving darkness, swift currents, and dense brush.
The Hayes Avenue Bridge has been closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic as the investigation and search operations continue. Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the area and are urging the public to avoid the vicinity to allow emergency crews to work without obstruction.
Questions Remain About How the Incident Occurred
While full details are still emerging, questions are mounting about how the pedestrians came to be on or near the tracks, and whether the area had appropriate safety measures or signage in place. The bridge area is known locally as a pedestrian shortcut and has long been viewed as a high-risk zone, particularly during evening hours when visibility is limited.
A witness who lives nearby told local media that they heard a loud screeching noise followed by screams and sirens.
“It was just awful. I ran outside and saw all the flashing lights. There were people crying, shouting names — I think they knew someone who was missing,” said the resident, who did not wish to be identified.
Authorities Focused on Rescue and Investigation
As of Monday morning, authorities had not released a complete list of victims or clarified the number of individuals struck or presumed missing. Fremont Police Chief James White stated that the focus remains on search and rescue and that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and CSX Transportation, which operates the freight line in the area, had been notified and would likely join the investigation in the coming days.
“This is a devastating incident for our community,” Chief White said. “Our thoughts are with the families affected. We’re doing everything in our power to locate the missing and provide support to the victims.”
Community Response
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Fremont community, a small city known for its close-knit neighborhoods and scenic riverside. Local churches and organizations have opened their doors to grieving families and are organizing counseling services and vigils in support of the victims.
Social media has flooded with messages of sorrow and solidarity, as well as calls for greater attention to rail safety and pedestrian awareness in vulnerable areas like the Hayes Ave corridor.
Ongoing Investigation
As investigators continue to reconstruct the events that led to the collision, officials are expected to review CCTV footage, train dashcam recordings, and eyewitness accounts. It remains unclear whether the victims were attempting to cross the tracks, walking alongside them, or if other circumstances contributed to the deadly accident.
Stay Informed
Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing Monday afternoon with updates on the search and further information regarding the victims and the suspected cause of the incident.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. For official alerts, follow the Sandusky County Emergency Management Agency and Fremont Police Department on social media or tune in to local news outlets.
If you have any information about the incident or may have witnessed it, you are urged to contact the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (419) 334-6442.