Police say impaired driving suspect lost race with train in Thunder Bay

A passenger vehicle crashed into a utility pole in Thunder Bay, Ont., after an alleged drunk driver attempted to be a train at a railway crossing according to witnesses who spoke with police. (Thunder Bay Police Service/Facebook)

A 32-year-old Thunder Bay man is facing multiple charges, including impaired driving causing bodily harm, after allegedly racing a train to a railway crossing before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a utility pole.

The incident marks the man’s second impaired driving arrest in less than three weeks, according to the Thunder Bay Police Service.

Dangerous crash near railway crossing

Police were called to the area of Crawford Avenue and Gore Street just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, following multiple reports of a single-vehicle collision. Authorities said witnesses told officers the vehicle had been speeding toward a railway crossing as a train approached.

“The vehicle had been travelling at a high rate of speed towards the railway crossing where a train was approaching when it became airborne and the driver lost control, crashing into a utility pole,” police said in a news release.

The driver allegedly fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief chase. Officers noted signs of impairment and discovered open alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The licence plate attached to the car had also been reported stolen.

One of the three passengers suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

Repeat offender faces multiple charges

The accused, a local man, was charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, prohibited operation of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, resisting arrest and breaching probation and release order along with several Highway Traffic Act offences.

The man was remanded into custody following a court appearance and a future court date has been scheduled.