THUNDER BAY – A scary incident for passengers involving a Thunder Bay Transit bus and a train has resulted in a charge against the bus driver under the Railway Safety Act.
The incident took place in Dec. 18 on Victoria Avenue at the railway crossing near Waterloo Street.
Passengers on the bus at the time said the driver braked suddenly before a train entered the crossing and the crossing gate came to rest on top of the bus.
A video taken by a passenger shows the gate resting on top of the bus. The person who took the video said the front of the bus was only one or two feet away from the train as it moved through the crossing.
According to the Canadian National Railway Police Service, officers conducted an investigation and as a result, the driver was issued a provincial offence notice under the Railway Safety Act for failure to give way to railway equipment.
There were no injuries as a result of the incident and the bus did not receive any damage.
A spokesperson with Thunder Bay Transit Services Division said they are aware of the incident and looking into how and why the incident happened.
CN Police is reminding motorists to drive according to conditions and be prepared to stop at all railway crossings.
Drivers should leave at least five metres of space between the vehicle and the crossing.
Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers are also reminded to avoid train tracks. A train can take up to two kilometres to come to a complete stop and despite a train’s size it can be difficult to hear when approaching, especially if riding a snowmobile.
Anyone found trespassing on railway property can be charged under the Railway Safety Act and face a fine of up to $220.
According to CN Police, there were 72 fatalities and 44 serious injuries in 2017 across Canada involving the public and trains.
