Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB) says a lack of awareness about the risks of railway crossings led to the death of Kendra Cameron in 2012.
Cameron, 11, was trying to beat the train at the crossing at Third Street north of Dundas Street on Dec. 1, 2012 when she was struck by a CP Rail freight train. She was pronounced dead a short time later.
In a report released Monday, the TSB says the bells and lights were activated by the westbound train when Cameron and a friend began running toward the crossing.
While her friend stopped, Cameron was fatally struck, despite the train sounding its horn and initiating an emergency brake application
The investigation determined that it was likely the pedestrians were rushing to cross the track to avoid having to wait for the train, and having seen others do the same, they did not understand the risks.
The TSB also found that the lack of specific education for school-age children about railway crossing risks and the ineffective enforcement of crossing and trespassing laws increase the risk of similar accidents.
After the accident, the TSB issued a Rail Safety Information Letter to Transport Canada regarding pedestrian crossing and trespassing behaviour near the crossing.
Subsequently, the City of London ordered the removal of brush near railway crossings to improve sightlines and Transport Canada undertook a number of activities, including improving educational materials, as well as coordinating with local police forces to increase enforcement activities and educate drivers and pedestrians about railway safety.
CP has also delivered Operation Lifesaver presentations to many schools in the London area and has entered into agreements with local police forces to enforce crossing and trespassing laws on CP property.
