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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Man killed after being dragged underneath GO train

Toronto Police sources say a video obtained by investigators shows a man in his 30s coming into contact with a passing GO train as it was leaving Union Station where his backpack or article of clothing became tangled [with equipment, or snagged, by the locomotive] and dragged him underneath the train.

“The time [of the incident] would put it right in the key rush hour period, so you can expect that there is a large number of individuals on the platform. However cause … of the collision hasn’t been determined as of yet,” Const. Clint Stibbe told the Toronto Star in an interview published Wednesday.

The incident happened shortly after 5:30 pm. People on scene claim passengers who began to arrive for the 6:05 pm Barrie train were told to go to Platform 24. Passengers already on the platform told ThisCrazyTrain.com they witnessed EMS attending the victim. GO Transit is advising those who were affected by this incident to contact them at (416) 869-3200. Counselling may be available to you.

The victim, who has not been identified, was a GO Transit passenger and the train involved was heading to Barrie. The personnel on the train were unaware a passenger had been struck. After the incident, which occurred on Platform 11, all train service on Platforms 11 and 12 were halted so police could begin their investigation.

Metrolinx spokeswoman Anne Marie Aikins also told the Toronto Star, “Sometimes people, when they’re in a rush … when they want to get home or when they want to get to work, sometimes they take short cuts and don’t follow all the rules.”

19 comments:

Nora1968 said...

How incredibly tragic. :-(

Anonymous said...

But was he pushed? By the crowd? Can the police say?

C.J. Smith said...

I don't know. I really have get back to work but we'll have to see what comes out of Metrolinx/GO Transit. They have yet to comment. If you have anything, please send me a text.

RH person said...
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RH person said...

There is no reason for those platforms to be crowded at that time. The Barrie train left at 5:35 and the next RH train isn't until 6:45. There is no way overcrowding could have played a role. I was there. It wasn't crowded. 11 was clear. 12 and 13 was starting to get busy but no way like it is at 4:30

Some of you were really mean at cj. You should be ashamed of yourselves resorting to high school antics because you rubbed your hands with glee that OMG she said it wouldn't happen. Get your facts before you bully someone.

Anonymous said...

@ RH Person

Thank you. I take the Richmond Hill too and it was clear. the Richmond Hill train left at 1730 and had nothing to do with the crowding.

Anonymous said...

And it's rail safety week. I frequently watch people walk between the people and the track or, in the last year or so on 11/12, ON the TRACK itself when the people waiting are already right at the yellow line. The yellow line is there becuase horrible accidents can potentially occur if you are closer than that. Stand back, be patient, wait a turn, protect yourselves. I admit I'm always concerned at the speed the trains pull in at and always, in the very back of mind, is the possibility of some "nutjob" pushing a person just to see...it wouldn't be the first time it's happened. I've frequently had to wait far from "my carriage" for the train to stop and people to shuffle forward so I could continue down the platfrom. 20 years ago this happened to a beautiful young employee of mine. She fell, as the train came in - she wasn't too close, she wasn't rushing, we don't beleive she meant to. The medics belevie her heart stopped and she fell. Simply fell. I've never forgotten that tradegy and I always always stand back and take responsibility for my safety. NO one makes you walk down a crowded track, or even stand on it - you can wait for the train downstairs. There's usually time to get up those stairs once it's pulling in and people are loading. Load in the closest carriage and walk inside the train to your spot...stay safe.

I am so sorry for this family and for everyone who witnessed it. I can't imagine the horror. Call for counselling. You'll need it eventually...

Jules said...

I completely agree with Anon^
People need to be safe at all times. I see people walking the yellow line every morning and evening, even as trains are coming in. It makes me sick to my stomach. What if someone loses balance, or someone moves suddenly beside them, or heaven forbid something hooks on to the train. Heed the warnings, stay well back of the yellow line. GO Transit can only do so much, you ultimately have to take responsibility for your safety.

Anonymous said...

Love how Metrolinx spins. Wow.

Tony said...

Tragic. Very tragic. My thoughts are with his family and all those who were witnessed to it. I wound up working late. I didn't get to be subjected to the aftermath. I only heard it was awful.

Anonymous said...

NO one makes you walk down a crowded track, or even stand on it - you can wait for the train downstairs. There's usually time to get up those stairs once it's pulling in and people are loading. Load in the closest carriage and walk inside the train to your spot...stay safe.

Yes. Be responsible adults. Unfortunately the rush to claim a seat is strong with some.

Anonymous said...

@Landru. I agree completely. Seems that Metrolinx is trying, non too subtly, to remove themselves from this tragedy.

This story literally makes me shiver. My heart goes out to the family and to anyone who witnessed it first-hand.

Anonymous said...

Leave it to Metrolinx to blame the victim.

Squiggles said...

I am reading the Nat Post article of this tragedy: http://news.nationalpost.com/posted-toronto/man-dead-after-clothing-or-bag-snag-on-passing-go-train-at-union-station-dragging-him-underneath

I am finding many of the quotes from Anne-Marie Aikins absolutely disgusting.

Anonymous said...

May you rest. We're all so devastated. DP will be missed. -S at RBC

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

So what really happened is Daniel got his strap caught on a piece of equipment on the locomotive and he was dragged. He wasn't drunk. He wasn't having a medical situation. He was a healthy and vibrant young man and runner. His death is unforgivable.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
C.J. Smith said...

I'm very sorry and I mean absolutely heart sick over what happened to Daniel. Out of respect for his family and friends and coworkers I am closing comments on this story.