A quiet summer day in Neosho County turned into a devastating tragedy after two young boys were struck by a train on Wednesday, June 18. One boy was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other is still missing.
Authorities say the boys were on a Union Pacific Railroad bridge just south of Erie, Kansas, when the train approached. According to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor, engine camera footage shows the children were “unable to outrun the train.”
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, including local fire departments, EMS crews, and Union Pacific officials. One child’s body was recovered quickly, but the second child has yet to be found. The search effort later shifted to a recovery mission.
“We had support from KDWP with a drone and boat, and the Kansas Highway Patrol deployed helicopters, search dogs, and additional personnel,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately, the Neosho River is nearly at full capacity, with swift currents and heavy debris, making search conditions extremely dangerous.”
The sheriff confirmed that specialized swift-water rescue teams are being brought in as the search resumes.
“Please stay away from the area,” Taylor urged residents. “We need to allow the trained and equipped teams to do their work safely.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Kansas community.
“Our hearts go out to the families,” Taylor added. “This is an unimaginable loss, and we grieve with them.”
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Five scared foreigners died the other day jumping off a high train bridge… all they had to do was lie down between the braces on the bridge deck and they would have been fine! Tell everyone that!
What the hell where young children doing on a train bridge. Parents don’t know how to care for and watch their children. So sorry for the families but they are the ones who cause this. When are we going to return to the days when parents cared for and taught their kids.