A teenage boy is dead following a train collision that happened in Surrey on Wednesday night.
Crews on scene told Global News teens were partying at a popular spot known as the Christopherson Steps, which go over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway line at the end of 24th Avenue, in the Crescent Beach area.
“We received a report shortly after 10 p.m. that a youth male had been struck by a train in the area of 24th Avenue and Christopherson Crescent, near Crescent Beach in Surrey,” said Cpl. Elenore Sturko with Surrey RCMP.
“Our officers did attend and unfortunately the young man did succumb to his injuries.”
It’s too early for police to provide an update about what circumstances led up to the teen being struck by the train, Sturko said.
The principal of Elgin Park Secondary School in Surrey confirmed to Global News the teen was a Grade 9 student.
In a letter sent home to parents, Jeff Johnstone said counsellors will be available at the school Thursday and Friday. Community service providers will also be available for ongoing support as needed.
Fire trucks, ambulances and as many as 10 police cars were at the scene Wednesday night.
Global News has not been able to verify previous reporting suggesting the teens were playing chicken at the time.
Evan Hagedorm was on the train when the collision happened.
The train was going at a “moderate speed” but “out of nowhere the train stopped abruptly,” he said.
“They came over the loudspeaker and said ‘We are experiencing an emergency on the tracks, please hold tight. We’re not sure how long we’ll be here’.”
An attendant came through his train car to get a first aid bag, said Hagedorm, adding he saw a group of young people running along the beach with flashlights.
“I can still see one of the girl’s faces, there was just pure shock on her face,” said Hagedorm.
They were stopped for about four hours, he added.
Global News will update this story as officials release more information.
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