NEOSHO COUNTY —Anderson County provided mutual aid resources to support response efforts following a tragic incident south of Erie, where two boys were struck by a train on a railroad bridge.
The search continues for the body of 12-year-old Kollin Showwalter of Erie, according to Anderson County Emergency Management.
Anderson County deployed water rescue-trained personnel along with a utility truck, rescue boat, rescue truck, and a transport-capable UTV to assist in search operations along the rising, debris-filled Neosho River.
Just after 12:30p.m. Wednesday the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Road, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.
First responders found 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut, Kansas, deceased, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Kansas Deparatment of Wildlife and Parks responded with personnel, a drone and boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, helicopter, and search dogs in an attempt to find the body of the 12-year-old.
After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train. Unfortunately after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.
The Neosho River is currently rising, nearly bank full, with a very swift current, and full of debris.