A child has been struck and killed by a GO train in Mississauga, Ont., according to Metrolinx.
Emergency crews were called to the area of Alexandra Avenue and Fourth Street in Mississauga near Lakeshore Road East around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The boy, believed to be between 12 and 13 years old, was hit by a train, prompting a large emergency response and road closures in the area, Peel Regional Police said in a news conference Wednesday.
A preliminary investigation suggests the child was riding a motorized bike and went around a barrier before being struck by the train, police said.
Investigators say all indications are that traffic signals were functioning properly at the time.
Get breaking National news
The investigation will be led by Metrolinx, with Peel police assisting. Police say they will also be investigating the death.
Metrolinx confirmed to Global News that the incident occurred on the Lakeshore West line between Long Branch and Port Credit GO stations.
“This is a tragic incident, and our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person who was struck,” Metrolinx said in a statement.
A Gofundme has been set up for the boy to support the mother through the loss.
Sarah Fernandes, a close friend of the mother, wrote that they are “reaching out with heavy hearts to support a dear friend, a devoted single mother, who has just experienced the unimaginable—the sudden and tragic loss of her beloved son.”
- Alberta moves to implement interprovincial pact to ease trade rules on consumer goods
- Waiting for Toronto’s cherry blossoms? What to expect as bloom season approaches
- Price surge from Trans Mountain expansion highlights need for new pipelines: MEI
- New federal election bill seeks to crack down on deepfakes, long ballots
“As a single mother, she carried the weight of everything on her own—and now, in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, she needs support more than ever,” the Gofundme page further read.
Road closures were in effect, with Fourth Street shut down from Ogden Avenue to Alexandra Avenue. Alexandra Avenue was closed from Fourth Street to Lakeshore Road East, but has since reopened.
Police extended their condolences to the child’s family for their tragic loss.
Metrolinx added that a full investigation will be conducted and reminded the public of the importance of rail safety.
“This is an important and sobering reminder of the importance of rail safety and how dangerous trains are,” it said.
“With more trains and more people moving across our region every day, staying aware at rail crossings is essential.”
I’m Sorry For the Boy’s loss he should learn the trains a very dangerous
Condolences to the family. However this is another case where a bicycle (motorized) driver did not understand that they have to follow the rules of the road and not try to sneak past the train crossing barriers. – we need to get that message through to people. Instead of showing people on motorized skateboards and bicycles breaking the law, lets try to educate them, and show the right way.
So horrible God Bless their Family sending 🙏 💔 😞 so sorry for your loss XOXO