Emergency Response and Scene Description
Emergency crews were on scene within minutes of the 911 call, but the devastation was immediately apparent. First responders found three victims—later identified as Intisar Mi, O Ny Zar, and Ram Masan—deceased at the scene. The toddler, Arti Kar, was discovered with serious injuries several feet away from the others, and medical personnel provided emergency care on site before airlifting her to the trauma center in Toledo.

Officials from Norfolk Southern, which operates the freight line, confirmed that the train conductor had engaged the emergency brakes upon spotting the family but was unable to stop the massive train in time. The train consisted of more than 90 cars and was moving at standard operating speeds for the section of track, which lacks a designated pedestrian crossing.

Victims Identified and Remembered
The Fremont Police Department confirmed the identities of the victims late Sunday evening after notifying next of kin.

• Intisar Mi, just 5 years old, was remembered as a bright and joyful child who loved the outdoors and was always excited to spend time with her family. She had recently started kindergarten and was known to her teachers as “inquisitive, gentle, and full of life.”
• O Ny Zar, 34, was the mother of both children and described by friends as a “devoted mother and nurturing soul.” She worked as a nursing assistant in Fort Wayne and had dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting her extended family.
• Ram Masan, 50, was the maternal grandfather of the children and had immigrated from Myanmar in 2020 to help care for his grandchildren. A respected elder in his local Burmese community, Masan had recently retired and looked forward to spending his golden years close to family.
• Arti Kar, just 1 year old, remains in critical condition with head trauma and multiple fractures. Doctors say the next 48 hours are crucial in determining her prognosis.

The Investigative Response
Fremont Police, in coordination with the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office, Norfolk Southern Railway, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

While early reports indicate that the family may have inadvertently walked onto an active stretch of track not intended for pedestrian access, investigators are looking into signage, track visibility, noise levels, and whether language barriers may have played a role. The family, originally from Myanmar, primarily spoke Burmese and Chin dialects, according to community members.

“It’s possible they didn’t fully understand the danger or misjudged the distance and speed of the train,” said Sheriff Chris Hilton. “This is a horrific accident, and we are working diligently to determine what could have been done—if anything—to prevent it.”

Officials also confirmed there were no physical barriers such as fencing in the area, a common condition in many rural sections of active railroad. This lack of fencing has become a point of concern, especially in areas frequented by families or near public recreational spaces.

A Community in Mourning
In both Fremont and Fort Wayne, the tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the community. A vigil was held Sunday evening at a local Burmese community center in Fort Wayne, where friends and family gathered to mourn, pray, and support one another in the wake of the loss.

Thura Lian, a family friend and community leader, addressed the crowd with emotion. “This family came to this country seeking peace and opportunity. They did everything right—worked hard, raised children, cared for each other—and now, in one moment, so much has been taken away.”

Local organizations, including Burmese-American Community Institute and Fort Wayne’s Chin Baptist Church, have launched donation drives to assist with funeral expenses and medical care for young Arti Kar.

A Broader Safety Issue
The incident has also reignited longstanding debates over rail safety in the United States, particularly concerning unsecured rail lines in areas with public foot traffic. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), more than 400 people are killed annually while walking on or near railroad tracks, often in non-designated crossing areas.

Advocates are calling on Norfolk Southern and other major rail companies to implement stricter safety protocols, such as installing warning systems, multilingual signage, and physical barriers in vulnerable areas.

“This is a systemic failure,” said rail safety expert Dr. Karen Eldridge. “When families can access live train tracks without any warning or protection, tragedies like this are inevitable.”

Officials Urge Caution and Awareness
In a joint statement released Monday morning, Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger and Mayor Danny Sanchez expressed deep condolences to the family and urged the public to stay vigilant near railroad areas.

“We grieve with the family and the entire Fort Wayne community during this incredibly difficult time,” said Chief Wensinger. “Let this serve as a sobering reminder that train tracks are not safe zones. A train can take over a mile to stop, and the consequences of even a momentary lapse in judgment can be fatal.”

The mayor confirmed the city will review its infrastructure and collaborate with Norfolk Southern to explore additional safety measures.

What Comes Next
As 1-year-old Arti Kar fights for her life, the surviving family members and community supporters are left grappling with unimaginable grief. Funeral arrangements for Intisar Mi, O Ny Zar, and Ram Masan are being coordinated through the Chin Baptist Church of Fort Wayne, and services are expected later this week pending medical clearance to transport their bodies home.

A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Kar-Mi-Zar-Masan Family” has already raised tens of thousands of dollars within hours of its creation, with donors from across the nation expressing sympathy and solidarity.

“This was a good family. They came here with hope, and they deserved so much more than this,” said Lian. “We can’t bring them back, but we can honor them by making sure no other family has to suffer the way they did.”

As investigations continue and community members mourn, the names of Intisar Mi, O Ny Zar, and Ram Masan will be remembered not just for the tragedy that claimed them—but for the love they shared and the lives they touched.

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