The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has reported a second fatality involving a pedestrian and a train within a two-week span in the city. The most recent incident took place on Friday afternoon near the junction of South Water Street and Pearl Street close to the marina. Responding to the scene, officers from the primary response unit discovered the lifeless body of a 34-year-old Thunder Bay resident. The investigation, classified as a sudden death, is being handled by the forensic identification unit and the traffic unit.
A spokesperson for Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) confirmed that the incident on Friday involved a CPKC train and an individual at the Pearl Street level crossing. No additional information is available at this time. In a separate incident on the evening of April 25 near Fort William Road, authorities are also looking into a sudden death resulting from a collision between a pedestrian and a train. Details about the deceased individual have not been disclosed.
In a statement to CBC News, a CPKC representative underscored the significance of railway safety, emphasizing the need for education on rail safety practices. Operation Lifesaver, funded by the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada, also expressed condolences for the recent rail incident in Thunder Bay. The organization, established in 1981, is dedicated to reducing collisions and trespassing incidents to save lives.
Operation Lifesaver advises the public to stay off railway tracks and only cross at designated public crossings to enhance safety. They caution against using headphones or mobile devices near railway crossings as distractions could impede one’s ability to spot an approaching train. The organization urges families and communities to engage in open discussions about rail safety, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and encouraging safe behaviors around railway tracks and crossings.