Metrolinx Update on GO Transit Train Derailment in Toronto
Metrolinx president and CEO, Michael Lindsay, revealed new details at a recent board meeting regarding the GO Transit train derailment near Union Station in downtown Toronto.
According to Lindsay, preliminary investigations suggest that the failure of rail fastenings on the south rail of depot track three was the root cause of the incident. Specifically, lag screws at nine locations on timber plates sheared under fatigue, leading to the derailment. This minor derailment was triggered by a slight movement of the rail, emphasizing the critical precision required in laying rails.
The incident occurred early one morning when a Kitchener-bound GO Transit train experienced a rear passenger car derailment. Although the train was moving slowly at the time, it still derailed due to an issue with the track switch. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the derailment.
In the aftermath of the incident, disruptions affected GO Transit Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East services due to both damaged infrastructure near Union Station and unrelated equipment malfunctions on another evening. Metrolinx is taking steps to address the inconveniences faced by passengers, including issuing refunds to customers who traveled during the affected periods.