Fatal train strikes more than double in B.C.
Published 4:37 pm Monday, September 21, 2026
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More than double the number of people have lost their lives at train crossings so far this year, and that number doesn’t appear to be slowing, with two people fatally struck in the Fraser Valley in the past month.
The BC Coroners Service reported that 13 people have been unintentionally killed by trains in the first eight months of 2026, which is a massive increase from the six who died during this same period last year.
To mark the start of Rail Safety Week, Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth addressed this increase and said that rail safety is a communal responsibility.
“Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, take a moment to look, listen, and follow instructions at railway crossings,” said Farnworth.
“By staying alert and making safe choices around tracks and trains, we can help prevent tragedies and keep our communities safe.”
Among the 13 B.C. deaths recorded between Jan. 1 and Aug. 30, more than half of these incidents occurred in the Lower Mainland.
Although the data collected only extends to Aug. 30, the recent Mission incident on Sept. 17 has already further increased the province’s number of fatal train accidents.
This is an increasing problem not just in B.C., but across most of the country as well.
According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, there were 71 train-related fatalities in 2025, which was already a five-year high.
As of the end of July, Canada had already reached 42 of these deaths, which is seven higher than what the country had experienced by this point in 2025.
CN chief of police Shawn Will said this spike emphasizes the need for caution around the country’s railways.
“Every crossing and every set of tracks deserves your full attention,” said Will.