REM Train Collision: 1 Dead, 2 Critical – Montreal

One Dead, Two Injured After Being Struck by REM Train in Montreal

A tragic incident on Montreal’s South Shore has left one young man dead and two others wiht serious, potentially life-threatening injuries after they were hit by a REM train early Saturday morning. The incident underscores the dangers of trespassing on railway property and has prompted a police inquiry.

Details of the Incident

Longueuil police received a call regarding the incident at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Saturday, a time when no scheduled train service was operating.Provincial police confirmed that three young men were struck by the train near the Du quartier station. Emergency responders arrived to find one man deceased at the scene, while the two others were immediately transported for medical attention.

According to a statement released by the REM communications department to Radio-Canada, the incident stemmed from “an intrusion onto the tracks.”

Did you know?-The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a light rail transit system currently under construction in the Greater Montreal area. It aims to improve public transportation options and reduce traffic congestion.

the collision led to a temporary suspension of REM service between Brossard and Panama stations in both directions on Saturday morning. A shuttle service was quickly implemented to mitigate disruptions for commuters.

“A group of people walking attempted to cross Highway 10 and the REM tracks to reach the othre side. Despite the arrival of a train, they continued walking,” explained a spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec, Sgt. Ève Brochu-Joubert, to CBC.

Pro tip:-Always obey railway signals and never trespass on train tracks. Trains can approach quickly and quietly, and stopping distances are important.

The Sûreté du Québec has launched a full investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding this fatal incident. Investigators are currently on site gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

The three young men were reportedly attempting to cross Highway 10 and the REM tracks on foot when the incident occurred. The train was traveling at its normal speed for that time of night, and the engineer had no time to react. The deceased has been identified as a 22-year-old man from Longueuil.the two injured men remain hospitalized with severe injuries, their conditions currently listed as critical but stable. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine why the group chose to cross the tracks at that location and time.

Reader question:-What safety measures could be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future? Share your thoughts on how to improve railway safety.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of railway safety and the potentially devastating consequences of unauthorized access to train tracks.

Worth a look

• Why Train Wheels Never Need to Steer (daybreakwire.com)