Two Neosho County juveniles were struck and killed by a train as it crossed a bridge spanning the Neosho River near Erie Wednesday.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said Arthur Pollries, 16, Walnut, and Kollin Showalter, 12, Erie, were running on the bridge when they were hit by the southbound Union Pacific train. The accident occurred shortly after noon.
Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor said engineer camera footage and other evidence said the youths on the bridge were “unable to outrun the train.”
Pollries was declared dead at the scene.
Sheriff’s personnel, Neosho County Emergency Medical services and members of the Erie and St. Paul fire departments, as well as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks converged on the scene to search for the second juvenile.
“Unfortunately, after reviewing the footage … the search went from a hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort,” Taylor said in a press release.
The search, which included a Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter, a drone, boat, search dogs and numerous personnel, was suspended Wednesday evening, but was scheduled to resume Thursday morning with specialized swift water teams.
Complicating matters is the fast-flowing river, which is filled with debris and flowing near flood stage because of recent rains.
The river crested overnight, and was expected to recede throughout the rest of the day Thursday.
“We appreciate everyone’s willingness to assist but due to the current conditions, we ask that the public stay away from the area and allow the trained and equipped personnel search the river,” Taylor said.
