Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A boy was fatally struck by a westbound GO Train in Mississauga on Wednesday afternoon, police say.
The boy was believed to be 12 or 13 years old, according to Const. Tyler Bell-Morena, spokesperson for Peel Regional Police.
He was hit near a crossing close to Alexandra Avenue and Fourth Street, Bell-Morena said. Officers were called to the area for reports of a collision involving a train before 3 p.m.
“This is an absolutely horrible situation for the family involved,” Bell-Morena told reporters near the scene.
Morena-Bell said evidence suggests the boy went around the barrier and was struck by the train. He said he was with another child at the time.
Police say they have information to suggest that the boys were on some kind of motorized bicycle in the area and were not with an adult.
GO Train service has been halted on a stretch of the Lakeshore West line following the death, Metrolinx said. The provincial transit agency confirmed the fatality in a statement Wednesday.
Metrolinx says the person was hit by a GO Train between Long Branch GO and Port Credit GO stations, west of the Long Branch GO station.
“Trains cannot move through the area until a full investigation is completed,” GO Transit said on its website. “There will be significant delays, modifications and possible cancellations.”
Metrolinx said about 500 to 600 people were on board the train that hit the child and they are being transferred onto another train. It will be making all station stops to Aldershot GO, Metrolinx said.
The agency said the area remains in the hands of emergency personnel.
Train service will operate between Long Branch and Union Station stations. Train service will also operate between Port Credit GO and stations west, up to Niagara, with bus shuttles running between Port Credit and Long Branch stations, Metrolinx said.
On its website, GO Transit says westbound trains will end at Long Branch GO and eastbound trains will end at Port Credit GO.
Peel Regional Police have taped off a large area near where the boy was killed. (Tyler Cheese/CBC)
Fourth Street is closed from Ogden to Alexandra Avenues, while Alexandra Avenue is closed from Fourth Street to Lakeshore Road E.
Commuters who take the Lakeshore West line can get more detailed instructions here.