A life was tragically lost early Thursday morning when a person was struck by a GO Transit train east of the Guelph Central station. The incident cast a somber shadow over the region, immediately halting service on the Kitchener line and impacting the morning commute for countless passengers.
The collision occurred around 6:30 a.m., a time when many were beginning their journey to work. The location, within a single-track territory, significantly complicated the response and extended the duration of the disruption, creating a ripple effect of delays and cancellations.
The impact was felt acutely by those travelling between Kitchener and Brampton, facing substantial setbacks to their schedules. Officials anticipated a prolonged period of difficulty restoring normal operations, acknowledging the frustration and inconvenience for riders.
Throughout the morning, police and Metrolinx investigators meticulously examined the scene near York Rd. and Watson Parkway, working to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating event. Train service remained suspended at stations along the line as they gathered information.
As an alternative, passengers were advised to utilize the Milton line for eastbound travel, while service between Bramalea GO, Georgetown GO, and Union Station continued uninterrupted. This offered a limited workaround for some, but did little to ease the overall disruption.
By the afternoon, service on the Kitchener line was finally restored, though lingering delays persisted as the system worked to recover. Acknowledging the hardship caused, GO Transit expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and understanding during the crisis.
The agency recognized the profound impact of the emergency on everyone involved, from the first responders and investigators to the passengers and, most importantly, the family and friends of the person who died. The event served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the weight of responsibility carried by those who operate the transit system.
