Mock train disaster at NB school emphasizes safety around railway crossings

Every year, dozens of people across the country are killed in collisions or trespassing incidents involving trains.

Most of these tragedies are completely preventable, which is a message officials are trying to get out during Rail Safety Week.

Students in Saint John were given an up close and personal look Wednesday at the realities of not being mindful around train tracks.

Emergency crews were dispatched to a mock gruesome rail crossing scene.

A car carrying several teens had collided with a train. One victim was ejected from the car, several others injured. One person died. Onlookers were shocked by what they saw.

Operation Life Saver says there are about 300 collisions or trespassing incidents every year, killing or seriously injuring about 130 people.

Last year New Brunswick saw eight incidents, with one trespassing incident resulting in a fatality. Nova Scotia had two incidents which resulted in no injuries.

For Wednesday’s demonstration all hands were on deck, which would be required in response to a real life situation.

“I think at last count for an incident like this we’re looking at 27 different resources that are going to be responding to an incident like this, between all the different agencies and all the different investigations that might be involved,” Saint John Fire Department Platoon Chief Michael Carr said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think at last count for an incident like this we're looking at 27 different resources that are going to be responding to an incident like this, between all the different agencies and all the different investigations that might be involved," Saint John Fire Department Platoon Chief Michael Carr said.

Actual extractions were taking place during the exercise with a local funeral home on hand with a hearse.

“This kind of event kind of resonates with them because they have an opportunity to see what the consequences could really be.”

The demonstration hit home for many students who were watching.

“It’s not going to happen to me but it really can,” said Harbourview High School student John Campbell.

“It’s really shocking,” Peter Boyce added. “Like, you always have to be really aware of what’s going on in the road and just making sure that even if you have passengers you’re really responsible.”

Francis reiterated that the saddest thing about the number of collisions that do happen is that almost all accidents are preventable.

“You know where the tracks are, you know where the train’s going to be and as long as you exercise the proper amount of caution and restraint in your activities, you can avoid this,” Francis said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You know where the tracks are, you know where the train's going to be and as long as you exercise the proper amount of caution and restraint in your activities, you can avoid this," Francis said.