TORONTO – The city of Ottawa activated an emergency plan after at least six people were killed Wednesday morning in a collision between a Via Rail train and OC Transpo bus.
Ottawa Fire Services has confirmed that six people have died and several more have been transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Read more: At least 6 dead after Via Rail train, city bus collide in Ottawa
Here is the latest information on cancellations and emergency contacts.
Ottawa emergency services set up
On Wednesday, the city set up a reunification centre at Nepean Sportsplex that closed by Thursday morning. It’s still urging affected families to call 311.
If you’re calling from out of town, the number is 613-580-2450, Ottawa police said.
The city’s distress centre is also taking any calls from concerned members of the public. Volunteering are fielding calls and can be reached at 613-238-3311.
Via Rail train cancellations and revised plans for passengers
Right now, all Via Rail Ottawa-Toronto train routes are cancelled. Instead, charter buses have been deployed in Ottawa to move passengers heading to Toronto. According to Global reporters on scene, some travellers were already boarding buses by 11 a.m.
There are about 10 trains that make the trip to and from Ottawa to Toronto daily, Via Rail spokesperson Mylène Bélanger told Global News. Each train would carry about 150 passengers.
Now about two to three charter buses will be picking the passengers up.
“We can expect some delays,” Bélanger said.
A travel advisory has been posted on its website: “As a result of an accident near Fallowfield train service between Ottawa and Brockville is temporarily suspended. More info to come.”
Just one or two trains heading to and from Ottawa before the 8:50 a.m. incident completed their trips. It’s too early to tell if the Ottawa-Toronto route will be cancelled tomorrow, Bélanger said.
Follow Via Rail’s Twitter feed here.
Ottawa road closures are as follows:
A string of bus route cancellations and detours are listed on the OC Transpo website. Routes 94, 95 and 173 are all dealing with detours and delays.
Even more routes – 97, 4, 128, 4, 9 and 12 – are all on revised routes. Take a look at the full listings here and live updates here on the OC Transpo’s Twitter feed.
Police investigation
Anyone who may have been a witness to the collision who has not spoken to police is asked to contact the Ottawa Police West District investigators at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666.
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