Train kills toddler, injures another toddler after they sneak out of their home

PORTAGE, Ind. -- Two toddlers who were walking on the railroad tracks near their home were struck by a freight train Tuesday morning. One of the toddlers died and the other was flown to the hospital.

The Portage Police Department received a call about a collision between a train and a juvenile at 9:36 a.m.

The collision happened south of the Woodland Village Mobile Home Park in the 5700 block of US20 in Portage.

The first officer on scene discovered two siblings had been hit by the train.

The 3-year-old boy was deceased.

The 2-year-old girl was injured, but was conscious and crying, police said.

Portage Fire Department personnel arrived and immediately tended to the little girl. She was flown to Comers Children's Hospital by the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network.

Police said the initial investigation revealed the toddlers snuck out a screen door of their home and made their way to the railroad tracks.

The conductor saw the children on the tracks and blew the horn and attempted to brake, but was unable to stop before hitting the toddlers, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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