Police determine GO Transit passenger fatality at Union Station accidental

by Cindy J. Smith
Editor/Publisher
ThisCrazyTrain.com

An investigation into the death of  31 year-old Daniel Panacci, who died after he was dragged by his backpack after it became entangled in a moving GO train locomotive on April 28, has been deemed accidental by Toronto Police Services.

Panacci, despite accusations written to the publisher of this website that he was pushed into the train by a crowd of people or passerby, remain unsubstantiated. An inquest into his death will not occur, said Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins in an email to thiscrazytrain.com.

Aikins also wrote, "GO Transit remains one of the safest ways to travel. Safety is always our first priority. GO Transit has an excellent safety record. We have transported over a billion customers in 48 years. This was our first fatality at Union Station and we are conducting a full review of the circumstances and immediately implementing additional measures to protect customers."

The publisher of this website asked Aikins to comment on emails where people have expressed concern overcrowding will contribute to a fatality.

Aikins responded, "Like all transportation systems, it is common to deal with congestion especially during peak hours. Measures are put in place to ensure customer safety and we are augmenting those efforts. Ultimately safety is a joint responsibility between GO (Transit) and our passengers."

Aikins continues, "Union Station was built many years ago and is undergoing major renovations. It has unique challenges. When completed in 2017, Union Station will have double the number of vertical stairs and elevators to (ensure) more safety (and) enable passengers to travel between the platform and concourse levels. Construction work is staged to minimize the overall impact to the station and service."

She also stressed that signage, station announcements, on-board announcements and other messaging, customer email/text alerts, social media alerts, web information and staff on site directing customer flows are all in place to help inform customers, and ensure the safe movement of customers at Union Station.

Aikins also pointed out that GO Transit staff and transit safety officers (TSOs) conduct a number of safety campaigns throughout the year specifically targeting platform safety. TSOs monitor compliance of safety rules such as staying behind the yellow line.

When asked about what other measures Metrolinx can undertake to address customers' concerns about platform crowding and being pushed into the path of a train, Aikins responded, "We are reviewing other measures such as platform barriers that would take more time to implement."

Metrolinx Statement on Fatality at Union Station

TORONTO, April 29, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Metrolinx President and CEO Bruce McCuaig and GO President Greg Percy issued the following statements regarding last night's fatality at Union Station:

"On behalf of everyone here at Metrolinx, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathies over this tragic incident. I cannot stress how saddened we are.

Our hearts go out to the individual's loved ones during this very difficult time, as well as the passengers and staff who have been impacted.

I also want to say to the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on GO Transit that their safety is our number one priority and our commitment to their well-being is unwavering."

– Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx

***

"At approximately 5:35 p.m. yesterday evening, there was a fatal incident at Union Station involving a man on a platform and one of our GO Trains bound for Barrie.

An initial investigation by the Toronto Police Service suggests that the man's bag became caught on the train as it was leaving the station. Their investigating is ongoing and, as a result, we are not in a position to provide further details. We will continue to cooperate fully in the investigation.

As always, our first and foremost concern is the safety of our passengers.  During Rail Safety Week, this is a solemn reminder for all of us to continue to place safety at the very top of our priorities. Whatever the cause of this incident, we urge every passenger to value their own safety as much as we do – always stay behind the yellow line, stay alert, and be mindful of your surroundings.

We are extremely saddened by this tragic event, and all our thoughts and prayers are with the individual's family and friends at this time."

– Greg Percy, President of GO Transit

SOURCE Metrolinx