Tragedy Strikes Family After Boy Hit by Train

Family members of a boy who was tragically struck by a GO train earlier this week are heartbroken, according to his uncle.

Henrique Joao Fresco, who speaks only Portuguese, visited the train crossing on Thursday at Alexandra Avenue, south of Fourth Street, close to where his 13-year-old nephew lost his life in a collision on the Lakeshore West line on Wednesday.

The family is still in shock and struggling to find the right words, Fresco told reporters.

Mourners have placed flowers at the crossing to honor the boy. His name has not yet been released.

Peel Regional Police reported that emergency personnel arrived at the area near Long Branch GO station shortly before 3 p. m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, they found the boy and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators shared that the boy and another child were riding motorized bikes near the tracks when the incident occurred.

Peel Regional Police say the boy, struck by the GO train Wednesday, was pronounced dead at the scene. (Aizick Grimman/CBC)

Community ‘shaken’ by tragedy, says councillor

Mississauga Coun. Stephen Dasko, representing Ward 1, noted that residents are grappling with grief over the boy’s death.

“This is just a horrible situation and this is, I think, every parent’s worst nightmare. To have something like this happen during March break when kids are out playing-it’s such an incredible tragedy,” Dasko said.

“This community is very much [a tight knit] community and this has rocked us hard now and will continue for quite some time.”

Dasko emphasized that parents should remind their children about safe play and following rules around trains.

“We want every kid to come back safely without any tragic situations like losing a child,” Dasko said. “This is unimaginable and very sad.”

There was a large police presence in the area near where the boy was killed on Wednesday. (CBC)

According to police reports, evidence suggests that the boy went around safety barriers before being hit by the train. They stated that initial findings indicate all traffic signals were operational at that time with crossing arms down and lights flashing.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed his condolences via social media Thursday morning.

“I was very sad to hear of the death of the boy who was struck by a train yesterday in Mississauga. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones,” Ford said on X, formerly Twitter.

‘Train safety education needed,’ says advocate

Chris Day, national director of Operation Lifesaver Canada-a group focused on railway safety-stated that injuries or fatalities related to railways are “entirely preventable.” He mentioned that their thoughts are with those affected by this loss.</s

“We all share responsibility for preventing rail-related injuries which includes making sure we have conversations with our loved ones about recognizing different signs and signals as well as how to interact safely around crossings because anytime can be train time,” Day explained.</s<pRail-related injuries and deaths are ‘entirely preventable,’ according to Chris Day, national director of Operation Lifesaver Canada, an advocacy group that promotes safety around railways. (CBC)<s

“We strongly encourage parents to talk about railway safety with their kids,” Day added emphasizing education as vital for spreading awareness.<s

A call for more grade separation-like overpasses or underpasses-to avoid similar incidents has surfaced after this tragedy.<s

However, Day pointed out it’s not practical given Canada’s vast railway system which includes about 42,000 kilometers of track alongside 25,000 locations where roads intersect rails.<s

“Grade separation at each one isn’t realistic,” he concluded.<s

Metrolinx promises thorough investigation into collision</h2<s

A statement from Metrolinx extended condolences to the family of the young victim while confirming plans for a complete investigation into what happened.<s

“This is indeed a tragic incident; our hearts go out to family members impacted by this loss. Ensuring public safety remains our top priority along with support for our staff involved,” Metrolinx stated thanking first responders for their swift actions.
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