Fatal car v. train crash under investigation

FOSTORIA — A fatal accident that occurred Thursday remains under investigation The Ohio State Highway Patrol's Norwalk Post is investigating the fatal crash that involved a car versus a train in Loudon Township. The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. on U.S. 224, just west of U.S. 23, Thursday. According to a release provided by OSHP, the preliminary investigation showed a Kia Soul, operated by Ellen Atherton, 72, Arlington, was driving northeast on U.S. 224 and went through a lowered railroad gate arm. The Kia was struck by a northbound CSX train and pushed off the left side of the roadway, before striking a utility pole. Ellen Atherton and the front-seat passenger, Rex Atherton, 75, Arlington, suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Seneca County Sheriff's Office, Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Bascom Joint Fire District, Bascom EMS, Seneca County EMS, Seneca County Coroner's Office, CSX Police Department, Seneca County Community Emergency Response Team and Keller Brothers Enterprise.