Marion, OH (February 14, 2026) – A tragic train-related incident on Friday night left one man dead and a 12-year-old child seriously injured after both were struck by a CSX freight train at the Kenton Avenue railroad crossing in Marion. Authorities confirmed the collision occurred around 8:41 p.m. on February 13 and involved two pedestrians walking near the tracks.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the initial dispatch to find the adult victim deceased at the scene. He has since been identified as 33-year-old Dalton McMillen. The child was found trapped beneath the train and required immediate extrication by rescue crews. Due to the severity of the child’s injuries, they were airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
The Marion Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision. CSX officials have confirmed that their train crews immediately reported the impact and cooperated with law enforcement during the response. Additional details have not been released at this time.
Key Details
- Location: Kenton Ave railroad crossing, Marion, OH
- Date: Friday, February 13
- Time: 8:41 p.m.
- Victims: Dalton McMillen, 33 (deceased); 12-year-old child (seriously injured)
- Transport: Child airlifted to hospital after extrication
- Status: Investigation ongoing by Marion Police Department
What We Know So Far
- Two pedestrians were struck by a CSX train at the Kenton Ave crossing
- One adult male was killed; a child was trapped and later rescued
- The child was flown to a hospital with serious injuries
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Why were the victims near or on the tracks at the time of the incident
- Whether warning signals were activated before the collision
- The current condition and prognosis of the injured child
Local Context
The Kenton Ave crossing in Marion is part of a frequently used freight corridor operated by CSX. Train crossings in residential or pedestrian-accessible areas remain a point of concern for public safety advocates. Trains cannot stop quickly, and even at moderate speeds, collisions with pedestrians often have fatal consequences. Education and vigilance remain critical in preventing similar tragedies.
What to Do Next
- Always treat railroad tracks as active and dangerous, even if a train isn’t visible.
- Stay behind warning gates or signs and avoid crossing if signals are activated.
- Speak with children about railroad safety and the risks of being near tracks.
- If you witness a railroad emergency, contact 911 and provide exact location details.
FAQ
Q: Why is it so dangerous to be near train tracks on foot?
A: Trains take a long time to stop and may approach quietly. Even low-speed impacts can be fatal, and trains can overhang the rails, creating additional danger zones.
Q: Can a train conductor stop in time if someone is on the tracks?
A: In most cases, no. Freight trains can require over a mile to come to a complete stop, meaning conductors often see the danger but cannot prevent the collision.
Q: What efforts are made to keep crossings safe?
A: Crossings often include gates, flashing lights, and signage. Community education programs and federal safety regulations also aim to reduce train-related pedestrian incidents.
