Via Rail train with passengers on board derails in Bas-Saint-Laurent after collision

A Via Rail train is seen on tracks in Dorval, Que., as it heads out of Montreal on Friday, May 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

A Via Rail train derailed after colliding with two semi-trailer trucks in Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region, early Monday morning.

According to Noovo Info, four people were sleeping in the two trucks when they were violently struck at 1:30 a.m.

They were not injured.

The 124 Via Rail passengers onboard the train were also evaluated.

The passengers were taken to the local city hall before resuming their journey to Halifax by bus.

The passengers of another Via train heading in the opposite direction were also transferred to buses for the remainder of their trip as the track was blocked.

The Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident, which saw the train’s first two cars derail.

According to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), the truck drivers had parked too close to the railroad tracks.

Via Rail issued an apology to the affected passengers and said it is collaborating with the investigations.

With files from The Canadian Press