The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is issuing a safety reminder regarding the dangers of trains and train tracks following an alarming incident on Wednesday. Multiple individuals were spotted crawling underneath a stationary train, prompting concerns for their safety.
The incident unfolded at around 7:15 p.m. in White Rock, catching the attention of local law enforcement as a train had come to a stop, obstructing the crossing near the pier head. A video shared on the White Rock/South Surrey Community Group on Facebook captured the risky behavior of pedestrians attempting to pass under the halted train instead of using the designated Balsam Street crossing.
Expressing grave concern, the RCMP emphasized the extreme danger of such actions in a press release, highlighting the unpredictability of a stationary train potentially moving without warning. The risk of injury or even death for those underneath or near the tracks is significant, particularly when individuals choose to disregard proper safety protocols.
S/Sgt. Rob Dixon, the Detachment Commander in White Rock, reiterated the importance of never crawling under a train, crossing tracks against signals, or walking along tracks at unauthorized points. Not only is this behavior illegal due to train tracks being private property, but it also poses a severe threat to one’s safety.
Emphasizing the risks further, it was noted that the fine for trespassing on tracks has been raised to $500 in Canada. Additionally, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada revealed that in 2024 alone, there were 56 fatalities resulting from trespassing on railway lines.
Following the incident, White Rock RCMP took swift action to clear the tracks and ensure public safety, remaining on-site to prevent unauthorized access until the line was reopened approximately an hour later.