Reports of numerous passenger injuries - Three crew fatalities
MONTREAL, Feb. 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - VIA Rail Canada train number 92, en route from Niagara Falls to Toronto, was involved in an accident at approximately 3:30pm local time today. The incident occurred in the Aldershot, Ontario area.
There were 75 passengers on board the train at the time of the accident. There are reports of several injuries to passengers and three fatalities, all VIA crew members who were in the locomotive at the time of the accident.
There were one locomotive and five cars on the train, all of which derailed. Emergency services were on the scene shortly after it occurred and are attending to those requiring their assistance.
Three passengers were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. 42 other passengers and one crew members were also taken to local hospitals.
All other passengers have been removed from the train and are either en route to Toronto or will be shortly.
The cause of the accident is not known at this time. VIA will collaborate fully with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which is investigating.
Anyone seeking information about passengers who may have been on this train may call a special number set up for this purpose, at 1-888-842-6141.
Other VIA trains will be affected due to the tracks being blocked at the scene of the accident. Passengers travelling in southwestern Ontario later today can check on the status of their train at 1-888-VIA-RAIL (888-842-7245) or at viarail.ca.
Further details will be provided as they are known.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Andrews,
514 871-6604,
[email protected]
Michelle Lamarche,
514 871-6137,
[email protected]
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