# Rising train fatalities in Canada

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-train-fatalities-in-canada
> Updated: 2026-09-21T23:37:00.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 2.

In Canada, specifically British Columbia, there has been a significant rise in train-related fatalities. The BC Coroners Service reported that 13 people were unintentionally killed by trains during the first eight months of 2026, which is more than double the six deaths recorded during the same period in 2025. More than half of these incidents occurred in the Lower Mainland, including a recent fatal incident in Mission on September 17.

This regional trend aligns with national data from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. By the end of July 2026, Canada had recorded 42 deaths, surpassing the total recorded by that time in 2025. For context, the board reported 71 train-related deaths in 2025.

In response to the spike, Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth emphasized that rail safety is a “communal responsibility” for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. During Rail Safety Week, CN chief of police Shawn Will also called for increased caution around all railway tracks and crossings.

## Claims

- The BC Coroners Service reported 13 unintentional train-related deaths in British Columbia during the first eight months of 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The number of train-related deaths in British Columbia more than doubled compared to the six deaths recorded during the same period in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- There were 71 train-related fatalities in Canada in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- As of the end of July 2026, Canada had recorded 42 train-related deaths. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth stated that rail safety is a communal responsibility. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: British Columbia reports doubling of fatal train strikes in 2026

Fatal train-related deaths in British Columbia have more than doubled in 2026, with 13 reported in the first eight months compared to six in the previous year.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-train-fatalities-more-than-double-in-2026

### 2026-09-20: Canada and Ireland report rising transportation fatalities

Canada reports a doubling of fatal train strikes in British Columbia, while Ireland sees a rise in road deaths following four fatal accidents in a single weekend.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/limerick-car-crash-leaves-one-dead-and-one-critically-injured

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Cite as: Rising train fatalities in Canada. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-train-fatalities-in-canada