A Toronto woman is lucky to be alive after nearly being struck by a VIA train in Alnwick/Haldimand Township on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.
At approximately 12 p.m. emergency services rushed to the area after they were notified by rail officials that a woman may have been struck by a VIA train south west of Grafton.
“They advised they were westbound, and she was along the south side of the tracks and they believed as they passed, they may have struck her,” said Northumberland OPP Constable Jeff Laporte.
The elderly female was looking for mushrooms on the north side of the railway tracks and as she was crossing to the south, Laporte said she may have stumbled and fell.
“She was able to get her legs out just in time. The train most likely passed over her, due to the width of the VIA train.”
The mushrooms the woman was carrying were scattered along the railway.
“She was right next to the tracks. The conductor advised (the woman) did a tuck and roll.”
The woman told police she did see the westbound train approaching and thought she had enough time to cross.
The train was stopped for approximately 45-minutes, emergency services including Northumberland OPP, Northumberland County Paramedics and Alnwick/Haldimand Township Fire Department responded to the incident.
CN Rail also had to slow or stop other trains along the line.
“It could have all been avoided by making sure you only cross on the allowed area and if you see any trains in the distance – when in doubt – wait.”
Laporte advises people are only allowed to cross at marked crossings.
“Anywhere else it is illegal.”
Paramedics checked over the woman who was shaken up, but uninjured.
The woman was issued a ticket for trespassing.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
