4-year-old killed by train in Mississauga: How did this happen?
Published July 27, 2022 at 3:33 pm
An investigation is now underway following the tragic death of a four-year-old girl Tuesday evening.
The child was struck and killed by a GO Train heading west from the Dixie Station around 7:40 p.m. on Tuesday (July 26) in the Dundas St. and Cawthra Rd. area.
Reportedly, the girl was crossing the tracks with her family. An opening in the fence and a footpath led to the tracks where people crossed as a shortcut to Dundas St.
On Wednesday morning crews erected a fence in that area.
Metrolinx spokesperson James Wattie told insauga the fencing was likely put up by CP Rail crews. CP Rail did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Wattie said Metrolinx, the agency that operates GO Transit, is assisting with the investigation. Peel Regional Police and CP Rail are also investigating.
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“That (investigation) includes questions surrounding the protections around rail lines,” Wattie said in a statement. “There are many aspects to rail safety, and investigators will look at all the factors. Safety is always our top priority.”
The Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that it also had deployed an investigator to look into what happened.
“The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence,” it wrote in a statement.
The flags at city hall were lowered to half−mast as the community mourned the little girl who died, said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie.
“My heart and thoughts go out to the family and all those affected by this terrible accident,” she wrote on Twitter.
Wattie said the incident has had a profound effect on everyone involved.
“Our thoughts are with their (the child’s) family and loved ones as well as with our train crew and passengers,” he said.
Metrolinx is providing grief counsellors for crew and staff investigating the scene.
“We understand this tragic incident was also very upsetting to many customers,” he said.
There are many excellent mental health supports in the community and we encourage anyone in need to reach out to someone, he said.
With files from The Canadian Press
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