Couches, mattresses intentionally placed on train tracks in Ontario: police

Police in Windsor, Ont., say a series of vandalism and arson incidents on railway tracks since January have created a serious risk of train derailment.

Police say they’ve responded to many cases of large objects, including couches and mattresses, being intentionally placed on the tracks, causing significant train delays and raising the risk of a collision that could have led to serious injury or death.

They say they’re aware of 12 vandalism incidents on rail infrastructure in Windsor since January, with most happening along the rail corridor between George Avenue and Pillette Road in the east end of the city.

Police say video footage also caught two suspects throwing rocks at a moving Via Rail train and shattering a window in April.

They add that late last month a fire was deliberately set on the railway tracks.

One police official warned of potentially “devastating consequences” of interfering with railways and police are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.