Key Takeaways
- One person is dead and another is in critical condition after being hit by a REM train on Montreal’s South Shore
- A third person is out of danger after the incident, which occurred near the Du Quartier station
- The incident happened at a time when no scheduled trains were running, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision
- The REM train was unmanned at the time of the incident, and the victims were attempting to cross the tracks when they were struck
- Service on the affected line was suspended for several hours but has since been restored
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred early Saturday morning, at around 3:10 a.m., when three young men were struck by a REM train near the Du Quartier station on Montreal’s South Shore. Longueuil police received a call at this time, and provincial police confirmed that the victims were three men, aged 19, 19, and 22. Unfortunately, one of the 19-year-old men died at the scene, while the 22-year-old is being treated for serious and possibly life-threatening injuries. The other 19-year-old is now out of danger.
Details of the Incident
According to the REM communications department, the incident occurred after "an intrusion onto the tracks." The Sûreté du Québec is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision, and spokesperson Sgt. ve Brochu-Joubert told CBC that a group of people walking attempted to cross Highway 10 and the REM tracks to reach the other side, despite the arrival of a train. The REM train was unmanned at the time of the incident, and the victims were attempting to cross the tracks when they were struck.
Response and Aftermath
Following the incident, an emergency response was launched, and service on the affected line was suspended between Brossard and Panama stations in both directions. A shuttle service was put in place to accommodate passengers, but by 3 p.m., the new REM operator, Pulsar, announced that service on the line had been restored. The Sûreté du Québec investigators are still on site, investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the Sûreté du Québec is working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. The incident highlights the importance of safety and caution when crossing train tracks, especially at times when trains are not scheduled to be running. The REM and local authorities will likely review their safety protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.