Two teenagers were struck and killed by a packed Toronto airport commuter train on the UP Express route.
The collision involving a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy occurred between stations on Monday night, prompting officials to investigate the circumstances leading to the teens being on the tracks.
Metrolinx, the provincial agency operating the UP Express, expressed deep sorrow, with Martin Gallagher, the Chief Operating Officer, calling it a "tragic incident." Over 200 passengers were on board heading towards the airport when the fatal collision took place near Weston Road and Eglinton Avenue West.
Toronto Police Inspector Keri Fernandes addressed the ongoing investigation during a press conference on Tuesday morning. The reasons behind the teens' presence on the tracks and potential involvement of criminal activity are yet to be fully uncovered, she noted.
First responders were alerted shortly after 10pm, with the initial 911 call coming from the train operators. The traumatic nature of such incidents was emphasised by Fernandes, acknowledging the impact on both the victims' families and those on the train.
Passengers were held on board for approximately two hours as police conducted their investigation, with the resumption of rail service on Tuesday morning following a night of bus alternatives. Metrolinx's Chief Safety and Security Officer, Martin Gallagher, highlighted the agency's commitment to managing the mental health of those involved and underscored their ongoing efforts to deter trespassing on railway lines.
The tragic incident once again brings attention to the challenges of maintaining safety on a large railway network. Metrolinx places fencing and foliage strategically, conducts school outreach programs to educate about the dangers of trespassing, and collaborates with law enforcement to enforce offenses.
"This is a very serious matter, and we take significant steps to discourage people from crossing railway lines," stated Gallagher.
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