Image: Google Maps / Eagle Landing Parkway rail crossing in Chilliwack is pictured. According to scanner traffic overnight, a pedestrian was reportedly hit sometime early Tuesday morning, August 29 on train tracks between Eagle Landing Parkway (pictured) and the Young Road rail crossing. Multiple RCMP and ambulance personnel responded to the area sometime after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, as residents in the area reported hearing sirens and, at one point, a helicopter. Fraser Valley Today has reached out to the Chilliwack RCMP for more information.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by train

Chilliwack RCMP confirms pedestrian dies after being hit by train

Aug 29, 2023 | 8:17 AM

CHILLIWACK — A pedestrian has died after being struck by a train early Tuesday morning in Chilliwack.

According to a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Sgt. Krista Vrolyk says Chilliwack RCMP were called to a report of a pedestrian who had been struck by a train near the Eagle Landing crossing.

Tragically, despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, the person died on scene.

This matter remains under investigation by CN Police, the Chilliwack RCMP and BC Coroners Service.  Criminality is not suspected.

According to information gathered through witnesses and a social media post, a pedestrian was hit sometime after 1 a.m. Tuesday morning (Aug. 29) on the train tracks between Eagle Landing Parkway and the Young Road rail crossing.

Multiple RCMP, BC Ambulance Service and Chilliwack Fire vehicles reportedly responded to the area of Eagle Landing Parkway and the nearby railroad tracks. One witness estimated there were upwards of 10 RCMP vehicles that flooded the area.

One individual reported on social media that a train made contact with the pedestrian at approximately 55 miles per hour (88 kilometres an hour). The victim was reportedly between 500 and 1,000 feet east of the Eagle Landing Parkway rail crossing when the train made impact.

A person who spoke off the record with Fraser Valley Today said the incident happened at 1:17 a.m. Trains were delayed for over two hours after the fatal collision. According to a conductor on the train that collided with the pedestrian, the victim was bent over and crouched, or huddled up standing on the rail ties beside the rail prior to impact.

Residents in the area reported hearing police sirens and, at one point, a helicopter.

A helicopter landing zone was initially mentioned as per scanner transmissions between emergency personnel and dispatch. However, the scene became a recovery and not a rescue effort.