Two people were killed after being hit by a Christmas-themed train carrying first responders near Wareham, Massachusetts, Saturday night.
The South Coastal scenic train hit a man and a woman about 7.30 p.m. who investigators believe were on the tracks when they were hit, CBS Boston reported.
They were pronounced dead at the scene, police said in a statement.
The "Train to Christmas Town" service was carrying hundreds of first responders and their families—including 200 children—at the time of the collision, the Boston Globe reported.
They were forced to wait on the train for several hours while police investigated the deaths.
"The train was a scenic train carrying numerous passengers at the time of impact, and originated in Buzzards Bay. No passengers riding on the train were injured," the Plymouth District Attorney's office said.
The train is similar to the Polar Express ride that carried hundreds of passengers through Wareham, with Saturday's service a dress rehearsal for its Christmas themed holiday season rides.
Kaylene Jablecki, manager of passenger operations for Cape Cod Central Railroad, told the Globe that first responders and their families were invited onto the service every year as a "thank you."
"Unfortunately we had a tragedy," she remarked.
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