The three were struck Sunday evening near Ecorse High School as authorities investigated how they came into the train’s path.
ECORSE, Mich. — A mother and her two daughters were hospitalized in critical condition after they were struck by a train Sunday evening near Ecorse High School, according to local reports, as police worked to determine how the collision happened.
The collision occurred around 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 near railroad tracks in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Outer Drive. All three were alive when they were taken to a hospital, WWJ Newsradio reported. FOX 2 Detroit reported that all three suffered head trauma and were listed in critical condition Sunday night.
The ages of the mother and her daughters had not been confirmed as of Monday morning. Authorities also had not released their names, and there was no confirmed update on their medical conditions beyond the critical condition reported Sunday night.
Initial reports said the family was attempting to cross the railroad tracks when they were struck. WWJ reported that the three were believed to have been on foot, but police had not publicly confirmed that detail. Investigators had also not explained exactly where along the tracks the collision occurred or whether the family was using a designated crossing.
Ecorse police were investigating the incident. The department had not released a detailed public statement by early Monday, leaving several central questions unanswered, including which train was involved and what investigators believe happened in the moments before the collision.
No information had been released about the train’s direction of travel, its speed or whether warning signals were operating in the area. Authorities also had not said whether surveillance video, train-mounted cameras or other evidence was available to investigators.
The location of the collision places the investigation near Ecorse High School in the Downriver community southwest of Detroit. Reports identified the Jefferson Avenue and Outer Drive area as the vicinity of the incident, but authorities had not provided a more precise location.
Police had not announced any criminal allegations or said that anyone involved violated railroad-crossing rules. With the circumstances still under investigation, reports about why the family was on or near the tracks remained unconfirmed.
Investigators were expected to release additional information as they established the sequence of events and received updates on the victims. No new condition report for the mother or her daughters had been publicly confirmed early Monday.
Author note: Last updated October 5, 2026.