A tragic incident involving the deaths of two brothers who were struck by a light-rail train has left a community in St-Rémi, Quebec, devastated. Simon and Samuel Brochu, both from St-Rémi, lost their lives after being hit by the train early on a Saturday morning near Brossard, Quebec.
The collision took place around 3 a.m. when three young men, including the Brochu brothers, were trying to cross the tracks to reach the other side of Highway 10 near the Du Quartier station in Brossard, just south of Montreal.
Mayor Sylvie Gagnon-Breton of St-Rémi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two brothers, emphasizing their strong presence in the local sports community, particularly in hockey. The tragic news has profoundly affected their friends and peers.
Simon Brochu, 19, passed away at the scene, while his older brother, Samuel Brochu, 22, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital the following day. The Quebec coroner’s office has initiated an investigation into the incident.
The third individual involved, a 19-year-old man, survived the collision. Authorities from the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) extended their condolences, emphasizing the dangers of trespassing onto the fenced-off tracks that run along the highway.
Pulsar, the operator of the REM network, stressed the importance of safety precautions and highlighted the risks associated with crossing railway tracks. The entire REM right-of-way is secured with fencing to prevent such incidents.
The tragic incident occurred outside of the regular operating hours for passenger services but was during a period when testing and maintenance activities were ongoing. The light-rail network, which recently introduced 14 new stations connecting downtown Montreal with Deux-Montagnes, remains committed to safety protocols and collaboration with authorities to investigate the circumstances.
In a show of solidarity, friends and family members of the victims paid tribute on social media, honoring the memory of the Brochu brothers. The community, while mourning the loss, also respects the privacy of the grieving family during this difficult time. Local health services are offering support to youth, families, and individuals affected by the tragedy.
