A Morning of Horror at Banff Trail Station

In a shocking incident that has left the community in disbelief, an 11-year-old boy sustained a broken leg after being hit by a CTrain early Thursday morning. The collision occurred around 8:15 a.m. at the Banff Trail LRT Station, prompting immediate calls to the police.

Circumstances of the Collision

According to the Calgary Police Service, preliminary investigations suggest the boy was crossing on the marked pedestrian crosswalk when the accident happened. Tragically, the protective barriers that typically signal the arrival of the train had failed to come down, leading to the train colliding with the young boy as it approached the station.

Current Condition and Investigation

The injured boy is currently in stable condition at Alberta Children’s Hospital, but this incident raises serious concerns about safety protocols. Sergeant Colin Foster of the CPS traffic unit revealed that the alert bells warning pedestrians of an incoming train were not operational at the time of the incident.

A Challenge to Safety Systems

Foster pointed out that the systems which control the pedestrian barriers and alarms are automated and not manually operated by drivers. Investigators are working closely with city officials to determine whether a malfunction occurred or if it was a human error. He emphasized, "This is a freak incident, obviously, but we need to establish the root cause, whether it’s an issue with the automated system or a driver error."

A Focus on Accountability

Additionally, police are exploring if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, although early indications suggest he was not impaired. Investigators are also examining medical records, a process that could take up to 30 days.

Community Reactions and Safety Measures

In the wake of this disturbing event, the City of Calgary has promised a thorough review of the operations at the Banff Trail Station, stating, "There are systems in place that connect the train operations to the crossing gates. This system controls the timing of the crossing arms." As the investigation unfolds, residents are left grappling with the implications of this tragic incident while officials work to ensure such accidents never happen again.