A serious accident involving a West Coast Express train and a pickup truck caused delays and injuries in Port Moody on Tuesday morning. The crash happened near Reed Point Marina, halting commuter train service for about an hour.
Police say the collision occurred when the westbound number three West Coast Express train hit a pickup truck at a level crossing. The impact ejected the driver from the vehicle. Firefighters were the first to provide medical assistance before police arrived.
According to Constable Sam Zacharias of the Port Moody Police Department, the man driving the truck sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Paramedics later took him to a local hospital for further treatment.
The crash disrupted the morning commute for passengers, with the train halted while emergency crews worked at the site. Crews inspected the train and cleared debris before service resumed.
Authorities believe the accident happened because the driver failed to stop for the crossing’s safety barriers and warning lights. Zacharias confirmed that impairment was not a suspected factor in the incident.
The Canadian Pacific Railway Police took over the investigation, as the crossing is under their jurisdiction. They will review train speed, warning signals, and other safety factors as part of their work.
Railway crossings are equipped with lights, bells, and lowering gates to warn drivers of approaching trains. Police say ignoring these signals can lead to severe accidents. Trains cannot stop quickly, and collisions often cause serious injuries or death.
Local officials are reminding drivers to always obey crossing signals and approach rail lines with caution. Even when a train is not yet visible, warning systems activate in time to prevent dangerous situations.
The West Coast Express is a popular commuter rail service connecting the Fraser Valley to downtown Vancouver. The number three train is part of its morning schedule, carrying hundreds of passengers daily. While train collisions with vehicles are rare, they often result in significant delays and safety investigations.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing the train horn before the crash. Some commuters on the train said the sudden stop and delay caused confusion, but most passengers remained calm while waiting for clearance to continue.
Police have not released the driver’s identity. They are asking anyone who saw the incident or has dashcam footage to contact investigators. The investigation will also include a review of trackside cameras and train data recorders to confirm the sequence of events.
Authorities say that while the driver’s injuries are serious, his condition is stable, and he is expected to recover. The damaged pickup truck was towed from the scene after investigators finished their on-site work.
Train operators and safety officials stress that rail crossings must be treated with the same caution as red traffic lights. Disregarding barriers or warning lights puts both drivers and train passengers at risk.
This collision serves as a reminder that train schedules are predictable, but the force of a moving train leaves no room for error. Police and railway officials hope increased awareness will prevent similar incidents in the future.
