Six people have been killed after a VIA Rail train collided with a bus at a level crossing in Ottawa, Canada.
The driver of the bus along with five other passengers were killed following the impact, which occurred east of Fallowfield station.
No passengers were injured onboard the train and operator VIA said its prayers were with the families of those on the bus who lost their lives.
A BBC report quotes eyewitnesses who said the level crossing barrier was down at the time of the incident.
Marc Laliberté, president of VIA Rail, said: “On behalf of everyone at VIA Rail, we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by today’s tragic event.
“We are deeply saddened by this collision and we express our sincere appreciation for the dedication and work of first responders on the scene.”
In a statement, Ottawa police named the bus driver, David Woodward, as one of the six people to have been killed.
Police chief Charles Bordeleau said: “This event has touched us all – from police members to firefighters to paramedics to OC Transpo staff – and there is still a great deal of work to do.
“This is a difficult day for everyone in our city.
“A tragedy like this affects so many people in our community. I know our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and the families, friends and loved ones who are suffering today and trying to make sense of this event.”
