Two Toddlers Hit By Train In Portage; Boy Killed, Girl Critically Injured

(CBS) -- A 3-year-old boy was killed and his 2-year-old sister was critically injured when they were hit by a freight train Tuesday morning in Portage, Ind.

CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports Ellie and Caleb Wilson ended up on the CSX railroad tracks near the Woodland Village mobile home park around 9:30 a.m., even though their mother, grandfather, and grandfather's brother were home with them at the time.

Portage Police Chief Troy Williams said it appeared the children had sneaked out of a screen door and made their way onto the tracks.

The adults in the home realized the two siblings were missing, and were searching for them when the train hit them.

Neighbors said they heard the CSX train horn blowing, and its brakes squealing, and knew something had gone horribly wrong.

Police said the conductor told investigators he spotted the children, and blew the horn, but was unable to stop the train in time.

Caleb was pronounced dead at the scene. Ellie was airlifted to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was in critical condition, with a head injury.

"This tragedy undeniably affected the first responders as several were visibly shaken by what occurred but worked through those emotions to provide every possible resource and effort throughout the entire incident," Williams said.

Portage Police, Indiana State Police, Burns Harbor Police, Ogden Dunes Police, CSX Railroad Police, the Porter County Coroner's Office, and Porter County Central Communications-911 were investigating the incident.

In:
• Indiana
• Portage