One-year-old girl tragically dies after train hit her while she was playing with friends | World | News
A one-year-old girl was killed after being fatally struck by a freight train in a provincial town where her family had moved only a week earlier. Lily Chifor was playing with her older sister Aria at Baan Baa near Narrabri in New South Wales, Australia, when the tragedy occurred.
While playing with her sister, the little girl walked towards the railway tracks at around 19.50 on Friday, November 7, and walked into the path of a passing freight train. The little girl was treated at the scene for serious injuries and was later taken to Narrabri Hospital where she died. The shocking incident devastated the small community of about 170 people; The family invited Baan Baa to their home just a week ago.
According to police, a group of children were playing near the train line and their parents were not nearby.
Oxley Police District Chief Executive David Cooper described the incident as an “absolute tragedy” and said investigations were ongoing.
Inspector Cooper said: “Our understanding is that the child was just playing around. This is a truly tragic case of a child going to a bad place to play.”
He continued: “The child was with other children. His parents were not in the immediate vicinity, but we know where his parents are and we have no doubt that the child is in his custody.”
“I want to emphasize that this is nothing short of an absolute tragedy and we send our sincerest condolences to the family.
“This will have a wide impact on the community and we want to make sure everyone gets the support they need. “I can only imagine the horror and pain. [the parents] They’re in there now.”
The 22-year-old train driver appeared to be uninjured but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
“There is no allegation of any negligence on the part of the train diver, and I feel sorry for that young man,” Cooper added.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, Narrabri Mayor Darrell Tiemens said: “In a small village like this, where everyone knows everyone and in a community like this, it’s really hard to endure a situation like this.”
