Train hits, kills 9-year-old girl in Las Cruces

UPDATE (5:55 p.m.): ABC-7 reached out to the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department to ask about today's incident; they sent the following written statement:

"CYFD extends our deepest condolences to the child’s family in the aftermath of this tragedy. CYFD is working closely with the family to provide support and access to essential services and is supporting state and local police with their investigations.

The child was in a relative placement with her maternal grandmother. Both she and her sister were placed into care mid-September due to lack of supervision and alcohol abuse by their mother.

CYFD provides essential services throughout New Mexico to support all families in need of assistance. For information and contacts, visit cyfd.nm.gov/familyservices."

UPDATE (4:30 p.m.): ABC-7 also reached out to Las Cruces Public Schools to learn if the girl was a student at any of the district's schools. Kelly Jameson, the Director of Communications for LCPS, sent us the following written statement:

"Las Cruces Public Schools is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our student Nancy, who attended University Hills Elementary School. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family, friends and the entire University Hills school community during this incredibly difficult time.

The district is providing counseling and support resources for students and staff as they process this devastating news."

UPDATE (2:55 p.m.): ABC-7 reached out to BNSF about the incident. It sent the following statement:

"At approximately 2 a.m. mountain time today, an eastbound train struck an individual at a crossing in Las Cruces, NM. There were no reported injuries to the crew. The individual was fatally injured. Additional questions should be routed to NM state police."

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- A 9-year-old in Las Cruces died Tuesday morning after a train hit her, according to police.

After 2 a.m., Las Cruces fire and police went to the railroad tracks near the intersection of South Main Street and Conway Avenue. They found the young girl, identified as Nancy Harvey, dead.

Police said Harvey, who has autism, wandered from her home on Conway Avenue. Her family reported her missing shortly before authorities found her near the tracks.

Police said the BNSF train came to a stop after it hit her. The investigation is ongoing.

Las Cruces Police posted a news release last month about safety and awareness near trains and tracks.

These are the suggested tips from LCPD, along with other rail industry partners, to keep people safe:

• Stay alert, listen and watch for trains when traveling near railroad tracks.
• Stay clear of tracks when trains are approaching.
• Never walk, run, stand, or play near railroad tracks and rail bridges. Railroad tracks and trains are private property and trespassing is forbidden.
• Never try boarding or dismounting a moving train.
• Never drive around, under, or through a lowered crossing gate.
• Never try racing or beating a moving train to a crossing.
• Watch for the blue and white signs, flashing lights and crossing gates at rail crossings.
• For rail crossings with no gate, approach the tracks with caution and be ready to stop if necessary.
• Buses and vehicles transporting hazardous material are required by law to stop at railroad tracks before crossing. Slow down and use caution when approaching any vehicle stopped at a rail crossing.
• Know your vehicle’s ground clearance and its ability to safely cross when roadways have different elevations on each side of the tracks.
• If a vehicle becomes stuck on or close to a rail, immediately have all passengers exit and move away from the tracks at a 45-degree angle and toward the direction of the approaching train. For example: if the train is traveling south, run north at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks. This helps keep you from being struck by flying debris if the train hits the vehicle.
• Immediately call 911 to report any damaged railroad tracks, crossing gates, or vehicles stalled on or near rails.

"Sounds like she wandered away from her home, which is somewhat close by. So, the family was looking for her; we believe the conductor of the train may have seen her and it was too late. Obviously, it takes a long time for a train to stop, even if it's going somewhat slowly," said Dan Trujillo, Public Information Officer for LCPD.

"It's a very sad situation. We have heavy hearts for the family and for any friends of this young child," Trujillo added. "It's always good, I think, to talk to your kids, let them know that the tracks are no place to play or to walk and again, we have very heavy hearts right now for the family and friends of this young child," Trujillo added.