Northern California town reels after teens struck by train

By Associated Press

Saturday, March 22, 2014 | 11:49 a.m.

MARYSVILLE, Calif. — A Northern California town was reeling Saturday after learning that a teenage boy was killed and a teenage girl seriously injured after they were hit by a freight train while walking to a Sadie Hawkins day dance.

The accident Friday evening occurred near the town of Marysville's only high school and a little league park where a game was being played.

Marysville Police Chief David Baker that patrols had been increased around the tracks Saturday.

"We need to make sure that folks just stay off the easement," Baker told KCRA-TV. "Respect the fact that these trains do come through our city all day long."

The boy died at the scene, and the girl was airlifted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with traumatic injuries, CalFire Capt. Dennis Hunt said.

A hospital spokesman said Saturday he could not release any details until the identity of the girl was released by police.

People who were at the game told the Marysville Appeal-Democrat they heard a long blowing of the train's horn, and many raced to the scene as the train came to a stop.

Diane Washburn of Marysville Little League said she was worried about exposing children to the chaotic scene. "Once they see that, that can't be unseen," she said.

A school board official told the newspaper the victims were heading to a Sadie Hawkins day dance.

"Marysville is a small but busy city," CalFire Marysville Capt. Dennis Hunt said. "Everybody knows everybody, so it was pretty traumatic."

He knew the teenage girl, and said she had a close relationship to the boy, Hunt said.

"She's a sweetheart," he said.