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2 pedestrians fatally struck by Christmas-themed train in Wareham

Two pedestrians were struck and killed by a Christmas-themed train in Wareham, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police and emergency workers responded to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday to discover two people had died near 72 Minot Avenue after being hit by the train.

According to the Plymouth County District Attorney's office, the preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were 33-year-old Melissa Gaudette and 36-year-old Edwin Benitez-Figueroa, both from Wareham.

Massachusetts State Police confirmed they were assisting with the crime scene, and an Airwing was also called in to help.

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Investigators said the "Train to Christmas Town" had more than 300 people on board, most of them children. No passengers were injured.

According to the DA's office, the train conductor made attempts to stop the train and activated the emergency braking system before the collision occurred.

Children on the train weren't told of the incident, but instead were told the train had run out of "magic gas" and had to stop.

First responders were invited to bring their families on board as part of their final dress rehearsal of the season.

“This is our way of giving back to those who give so much to our local communities," the Cape Cod Central Railroad, who runs the holiday-themed train, said. "On our way to the North Pole this evening, we came upon trespassers who were on our tracks. Sadly, tragedies such as this could be avoided if people would not trespass on train tracks.”

Police said the incident doesn't appear to be suspicious and is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Police, and the Wareham Police Department.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.