Tragedy Strikes New REM Line
A 19-year-old man has died and two others sustained serious, life-threatening injuries after being struck by a Réseau express métropolitain (REM) train early Saturday morning near the Brossard station. The incident marks the first fatal accident for Montreal's new automated light-rail system, which began full service just days earlier.
Details of the Early Morning Incident
According to the Sûreté du Québec, provincial police were called to the scene near Highway 10 at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Saturday morning. The investigation indicates that a group of pedestrians attempted to run across both the highway and the REM right-of-way as a train was approaching.
The 19-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals, aged 19 and 22, were transported to hospital in critical condition. Police confirmed that the 22-year-old's life remains in danger as of the latest updates.
Service Impacts and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the tragedy, REM service has been suspended between Brossard and Panama stations. Trains continue to operate normally on the remainder of the line between Panama and Deux-Montagnes stations.
The REM operator, Pulsar, released a statement expressing deep sadness over the event. "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy," the statement read, noting they are cooperating fully with emergency services and public authorities in the investigation.
This incident represents another challenge for the newly launched REM system, which faced multiple disruptions during its first week of operation, including service halts due to a truck striking a viaduct and passengers becoming trapped in an elevator.
The Sûreté du Québec continues to investigate the precise sequence of events leading to this tragic collision.
