A toddler was fatally struck by a train in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania State Police said Thursday.
The 15-month-old was hit by a Norfolk Southern train at 10:04 a.m. on the 400 block of West Main Street in South Newton Township.
Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall ruled the death accidental. The toddler had reportedly wandered onto the tracks passing behind his family’s backyard.
The toddler was declared dead at UPMC Carlisle Hospital. An autopsy is set for next week to determine the cause of death.
Neighbors revealed that the toddler was the youngest of his family’s four children.
“They’re good parents. We’re all just reeling over this,” one said.
Norfolk Southern, the freight rail company that operates the railroad, released a statement following the heartbreaking incident.
“This is a tragedy, and our hearts are with this family and community during this difficult time. We are working with local authorities to provide any information needed for their investigation.”
