‘Just devastated’: Mother of 3 loses both legs after being struck by train

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A woman is in the hospital fighting to survive after she was hit by a train two weeks ago.

Sonja Celius was in town from Nevada for what she thought would be a quick stop in Arizona when she was struck by a train on April 25.

“Honestly, probably one of the most traumatizing pieces of news to receive in my life,” Celius’ daughter Kayla said.

Police shut down the area near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road for hours, taping off the scene as investigators worked to figure out exactly what happened.

Celius was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Doctors amputated both of her legs.

Her family said the days since have been a blur of fear and waiting.

The accident happened in broad daylight. It’s not immediately clear why or how Celius got onto the train tracks.

“I didn’t really know what to say or think. All of us cried for multiple days. I was just devastated,” she said.

Celius is a mother of three. Her youngest child is 16. While Kayla said her mom is expected to survive, she is now facing a long, painful road ahead.

“She’s a walking miracle, but it is so devastating to know that my mother will never walk again,” she said.

The rail crossing where Celius was hit is no stranger to serious incidents and is listed by the city of Phoenix for safety improvements.

Federal Railroad Administration crossing data and state rail safety studies have flagged the corridor as high-risk and outlined engineering and signal changes that officials say could reduce future crashes.

Phoenix police said what led up to the collision is part of their ongoing investigation.

The family started a GoFundMe to help her kids during this time.