Ottawa – Last Wednesday, an Ottawa City Bus crashed into an oncoming VIA rail train just before 9 a.m.. The Ottawa City Bus was headed downtown when the VIA Rail train headed to Toronto struck the bus head-on. The crash took off the front end of the bus, and the train flew off the tracks. The collision killed six people at the front of the bus, including the driver, Dave Woodward, and injured many throughout the rest of the double decker bus. There were no injuries to the passengers on the VIA rail train.
Justin Trudeau released a statement shortly after and sent his condolences: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those families and friends who have been affected by this devastating accident.”
Ottawa South MP, David McGuinty, continued, “I was deeply sorry to hear of this terrible train and bus collision in south-west Ottawa. My deepest sympathies go out to all those who have been impacted by this accident and their loved ones. Your community is here to support you as we grapple with this tragic event.”
The bus and train have been removed from the scene.
VIA rail began running its Montreal to Toronto route again on Friday, but must now drive no higher than 8mph along the stretch of the tracks where the accident occurred, due to the track still not being completely repaired.
