RCMP investigators are trying to piece together the sequence of events that led to two teenage girls being struck and killed by a CN freight train in Nova Scotia.
Officials said a 17-year-old high school student from Lantz, N.S., and an 18-year-old former foreign exchange student from Germany were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Friday.
"When RCMP responded to the scene, we found that two young women had died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision," Const. Jennifer Clarke told reporters at the scene on Friday afternoon.
Clarke said the women were not at a train crossing when they were struck near Mader Street and Highway 2. The rural community is located about 45 kilometres north of Halifax.
The families of the victims have also been notified, she said.
Students at the Hants East Rural High School, where the 17-year-old victim was studying, told the Canadian Press on Friday they had seen the girl celebrating at the school’s annual sports banquet just hours before she was killed.
"It’s really hard for the students, really hard for the staff and our condolences go out to the families of both of these young women,” said Chignecto-Central Regional School Board spokesperson Debbie Buott-Matheson. “This is a loss they are going to feel very deeply."
Grief counsellors were brought in to the school to offer their support to staff and students.
CN said the two crew members were not able to stop the train in time. Clarke said train staff then made the call to 911. Those who witnessed the collision have also been offered counselling support.
"Initial reports are that the crew followed proper procedures, sounding the train horn and applying the emergency brakes, but it was impossible to stop the train in time to prevent this tragedy," Jim Feeny, CN's director of public affairs, said in a statement to the Canadian Press.
Clarke said the incident has left the people of Lantz in disbelief.
“This is a very, very tragic thing to have happened in this community,” she said. “People are very upset right now.”
“Really sad news to hear for her family,” said resident Kassie Dill. “My prayers go out to them.”
The constable said RCMP investigators are still at the scene trying to gather evidence that could help them find out what led to the collision.
The train involved in the collision left the scene at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday. Rail traffic through the rural community has resumed its normal schedule.
With a report from CTV Atlantic and files from The Canadian Press
