Anyone who spots what appears to be crash involving a train in the Municipality of Huron East on Thursday is advised not to panic.
Emergency crews will be participating in a mock train collision training exercise on Kinburn Line between Highway 8 and Front Road northwest of Seaforth from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. During that time, there will be an increased presence of first responders in the area as Huron OPP are partnering with Genesee and Wyoming Railroad and Huron County Emergency Services for the training.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area until the training is complete.
According to police, the training is important as railway crossing incidents seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year in Canada and the U.S.
"Ignoring railway signs and signals, being distracted at rail stations or crossings, or using tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path can lead to track tragedies that are entirely preventable," OPP Constable Craig Soldan said in a statement. "The OPP is encouraging people to avoid risky behaviours around tracks and trains, so they stay safe and stay alive."
Information about rail safety and tips to stay safe near crossings can be found at operationlifesaver.ca.