Train fatally strikes pedestrian in Fort Langley

Police say a pedestrian was killed Thursday morning after a collision with a train in Fort Langley.

The Langley RCMP says it responded to reports of the incident near Glover Road between Mavis Avenue and Billy Brown Road around 7:45 a.m.

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Officers found an injured man who had been struck by the train.

“Despite life-saving efforts, the individual succumbed to their injuries at the scene,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom.

Standing nearby, Genevieve Van Oers identified herself as a friend of the victim. She says he was walking his dog on his way to meet a group of friends for a regular coffee date when the tragedy occurred.

“We’re sad, grieving. He was a very dear-hearted friend,” said Van Oers.

She says it’s a shock to the community, as the Township had recently implemented more lights and signs, warning of the rail crossing. Van Oers says, unfortunately, her friend suffered from vision and mobility challenges.

Another friend says he was surprised when the victim didn’t return a text Thursday morning.

“It’s going to affect so many people,” he said. “He was always wandering along the community, and I’m sure he had a ‘hello’ to everybody.”

Glover Road is closed in both directions, and images from the scene show the train has stopped in place.

Sharoom says Mounties are investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision.

“Given that specific area, there are quite a few people that actually are travelling in that area by foot, so we’re looking to determine if this person was on the track or they were crossing the roadway,” he explained.

Sharoom says he encourages the many potential witnesses to reach out to the Langley RCMP’s victim services.

Those with information to share are asked to call 604-532-3200 and quote file number 2026-3084.

Mounties say Glover Road will remain closed for several hours. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.

—With files from Dean Recksiedler and Maria Vinca