A Christmas-themed excursion ended tragically Saturday evening when a train filled with children and their families struck and killed a Wareham couple on a stretch of track in a wooded area off Minot Avenue.

Melissa Gaudette, 33, and Edwin Benitez-Figeuroa, 36, a longtime couple and the parents of three children, were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the 7:26 p.m. Nov. 17 accident.

The incident is still under investigation but authorities say no charges will be filed, and that the train engineer braked and sounded the horn as soon as he saw people in the track.

The “Train to Christmas Town,” operated by the Cape Cod Central Railroad, left Buzzards Bay around 7 p.m. headed to Rochester. On board were 355 people, including 200 children. Based on a children’s book by the same name, the train runs during the holiday season and features music, games and costumed characters.

Saturday’s trip was a final dress rehearsal before regular service starts on Nov. 23.

Officials have not said why Gaudette and Benitez-Figeuroa were on the tracks during the crash.

In a statement, P. Christopher Podgurski, president of Cape Rail Inc., the company that operates the train, expressed condolences.

“Our hearts go out to the families,” said Podgurski. 

Gaudette’s father, Leon Gaudette, said the two had been together for 18 years and had three children together, ages 10, 12 and 18.

On Monday, several friends and family gathered at his East Wareham home in mourning.

“She has a big family,” said Leon. “We’re trying to deal with this tragedy as best we can, we’re trying to cope.”

Leon and his wife Jean said their daughter was a kind-hearted person who loved her children and had a special affinity for animals. She attended Upper Cape Regional Technical School where she studied cosmetology. 

Melissa and Benitez-Figeuroa’s children are now staying with their grandparents.

“She’s going to be dearly missed,” said Jean.

Benitez-Figeuroa’s family could not immediately be reached for comment.

After the crash, passengers were held on the train for nearly two hours as Wareham, State and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police investigated. Officers from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

The train then returned to Buzzards Bay where passengers departed.

During the investigation, children on board were not told the reason for the unexpected stop.

According to Wareham Police, officials were concerned the passengers would have to be shuttled from the scene.

As a result, several Wareham Public Schools buses were sent to Minot Forest Elementary.

Ultimately, the buses were not needed and the train was allowed to return to Buzzards Bay.

Wareham Police said the investigation is ongoing.

“The incident does not appear suspicious and is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to District Attorney Timothy Cruz’s office, Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Police, and the Wareham Police Department.” according to the statement.