Child pedestrian hit and killed by train in Chatham, police say

A young child was struck and killed by a train near Keil Drive in Chatham, according to Chatham-Kent Police Service.

In a news release on Wednesday police said the collision happened just after 1 a.m. on Saturday.

According to police, emergency services were dispatched to the railway tracks after receiving reports of a pedestrian being struck by a passing train.

Upon arrival, emergency crews found a young child who had sustained critical injuries, police said in the release, and "despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, the child was pronounced dead at the scene."

"Our hearts are broken for the family and loved ones affected by this unimaginable tragedy," said Sgt. Jason Herder of the Traffic Management Unit. "We ask the community to keep them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Police say the identity of the child will not be released to respect the privacy of the family. 

In light of this incident, support services have been made available to the family and first responders.