21 November 2006
Dangerous Intersection Claims Life of Teen
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Emergency crews responded to a tragic accident last Tuesday,
which claimed the life of 14-year-old Julie Row and sent her 16-year-old brother, Joel, to Edmonton hospital
in critical condition.
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Lacombe Alberta - A collision between a train and a
vehicle in Lacombe has claimed the life of Julie Row, 14, and sent her brother Joel, 16, to hospital in critical condition.
"It appears the vehicle was eastbound on Wolf Creek Dr. when it was struck by a north bound freight train," said Lacombe
Police Sgt. Gary Leslie.
"They were both transported by Lacombe ambulance to the Lacombe hospital. At the hospital the 14-year-old female was
pronounced dead. The 16-year-old male was stabilized and transported to the Lacombe airport and (airlifted) to the U of A
hospital in Edmonton."
Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Lacombe Police continue the investigation. Lacombe Police say alcohol and speed were definitely not
factors.
CPR spokesperson Ed Greenberg in Calgary says the train crew did what they could to avoid the collision.
"They did everything they could to avoid the situation. They were blowing the whistle. They went into emergency application to
try and bring the train to an emergency stop as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, a freight train takes at least a mile to come to a
stop."
The train was pulling 45 cars with 41 of them empty.
"It was not a very long train but even at 45 cars it takes some time to bring it to an emergency stop." Greenberg says the
tragedy has shook up CPR staff.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Our crew has been impacted also. We have offered them critical
incident services. It's a very traumatic time for our crewmembers. It's the last thing they would like to experience as railroaders.
It's a very sad incident.
"Everyone, including our employees who live and work in Red Deer are very saddened by what happened," he added.
The girl was a Grade 9 student at Lacombe Junior High and administration has set up counselling for students.
"This incident is extremely tragic and has deeply affected our Lacombe school family," said Barb Anderson, principal.
"Our school crisis response team has been activated. Right now we have student information and support centres set up and this
is for students and staff and it will be staffed throughout the day and the days to come."
At press time, Joel was listed in stable condition at an Edmonton hospital.
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