Man, 18, dies after being struck by train on tracks near Monarch Park
By MATTHEW STEPHENS
An 18-year-old man is dead after being struck and killed by a train in the Monarch Park area.
Police say emergency crews were called to the area of Greenwood Avenue and Gerrard Street East at around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25,, after it was reported that someone had been struck by a moving train.
According to police, the victim was walking along the Lakeshore East Line tracks with a woman when two trains headed in opposite directions passed by.
In a statement to Beach Metro Community News, Metrolinx’s media relations team expressed their condolences for the victim and his family.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred last night on the Lakeshore East line. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of this individual, and with our employees and first responders that were affected by this event,” said Metrolinx in the statement.
“These events are always incredibly difficult for everyone involved and Metrolinx has offered support to our personnel who may have been impacted.”
According to a report from CP24, one resident said they’ve seen holes in the fencing surrounding the tracks in the area before.
Toronto Police Media Relations Officer Shannon Eames did not provide specific details about the incident or the barriers around the tracks, but warned of the dangers of walking on railway tracks.
“We can’t comment on the barriers that are put up to stop pedestrians,” Eames told Beach Metro Community News. “We are advising the public to understand that railway tracks are dangerous, active industrial zones. Every single incident involving a pedestrian on a railway track is entirely preventable.”
She said modern trains are quieter, faster, and require more distance to come to a complete stop, even after emergency braking.
“For everyone’s safety: stay entirely off the tracks. Railway tracks, yards, and corridors are private property. Walking on them is not just illegal trespassing that carries fines up to $5,000, but it is also highly unpredictable and lethal,” said Eames.
