| Comments | On November 20th at 6:20pm (local), a VIA rail passenger train struck a piece of rail that was intentionally placed on the track causing a fire that engulfed part of the locomotive and 2 passenger cars. The fire started almost immediately; windows began to shatter and melt as flames and smoke filled the first passenger car. When the passengers could not open the door to the next car, individuals began to panic - smashing out car windows and jumping from the train while still moving. When the door between the cars was opened, the second passenger car was in the same predicament. Eventually all passengers and on-board service employees were able to exit the 2 engulfed cars and locomotives. The other passenger cars were minimally affected and successfully evacuated. Of the 385 passengers, 15 were seriously injured and 31 had minor injuries. |