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Mennonite Toddler ID'd After Fatal Train Strike In Central PA

A 15-months and 14-days-old boy has been identified after being struck by a Norfolk Southen Train on Thursday.

A stock image of a boy toddler; Landis Sensenig Newswanger's backyard in the 400 block of West Main Street, Walnut Bottom; and a Norfolk Southern Train running along the tracks behind the fenced-in yard. 

A stock image of a boy toddler; Landis Sensenig Newswanger's backyard in the 400 block of West Main Street, Walnut Bottom; and a Norfolk Southern Train running along the tracks behind the fenced-in yard. 

Photo Credit: Pixabay/cherylholt @cherylholt-209609 (overlay); Google Maps (Street View)

Landis Sensenig Newswanger was hit by a Norfolk Southern train running along the tracks in his backyard in the 400 block of West Main Street, South Newton Township, Cumberland County at 10:04 a.m. on Dec. 7, according to state police and later identified in his obituary.  

Landis was taken to Carlisle Hospital where they were pronounced dead, Cumberland County Coroner Charles Hall told Daily Voice. 

His autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, Hall said. 

The full address of Landis's home was later released and the yard clearly has a fence as seen on Google Maps.

Daily Voice has reached out to Norfolk Southern for comment and received the following statement, reading in part:

"This is a tragedy, and our hearts are with this family and community during this difficult time. We are working with local authorities to provide any information needed for their investigation. Counseling, guidance, and other support services are available to our train crew and other employees involved."

The ongoing investigation into this deadly incident is being led by PSP Carlisle Criminal Investigation Unit. 

Landis is survived by his parents Wayne H. and Mary Jane Sensenig Newswanger; two brothers, Anthony S. and Glenn S.; one sister, Marita S.; paternal grandparents, Harvey and Norma Newswanger; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Lydia Sensenig; and his extended family as detailed in his obituary. 

Two viewings will be held at his home; the first will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and the second from 6 to 8 p.m., both on Thursday, Dec. 14. 

His funeral service will be held at the Locust Lane Old Order Mennonite Church, at 35 Hammond Road, Walnut Bottom, PA, 17266 at 9:30 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 15.  He will be interred in the adjoining cemetery.

"Landis’ family kindly requests the omission of flowers," as stated in his obituary.

Click here to read Landis's full obituary. 

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