One dead, one missing after juveniles hit by train in southeast Kansas
UPDATE: Authorities have released the names of the two young boys who were killed after being hit by a train near Erie, Kansas.
The Kansas Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Arthur Pollries, of Walnut, Kansas, and 12-year-old Kollin Showalter, of Erie, Kansas, died at the scene.
One juvenile has died and the search for another continues after they were reportedly hit by a train south of Erie, Kansas, Wednesday afternoon.
Read more from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office below:
At 12:39pm, the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Rd.
One juvenile male was found deceased. A thorough search of the area with available personnel was quickly initiated. A local individual was requested to respond to the scene with a drone.
KDWP responded with personnel, a drone, and a boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, a helicopter, and search dogs.
After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train.
Officials say after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.
The Neosho River Is currently rising, nearly bank full, with a very swift current, and full of debris.
Due to extremely dangerous conditions, the recovery effort will resume in the morning. We have specialized swift water teams coming to assist with the ongoing search.
They ask that the public stay away from the area and allow the trained and equipped personnel search the river.