Person dead after train collision in La Broquerie on St-Jean-Baptiste Day

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Peggy

Local officials say one person is dead after a train collision in La Broquerie Sunday afternoon, on the same day the southeastern Manitoba town held its St-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities.

Reeve Ivan Normandeau confirmed the fatality Sunday night. Emergency and fire crews could be seen in front of a stopped train at a rail crossing shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday, and a stretch of Highway 302 that goes through the town was closed to traffic for a few hours in the afternoon.

The incident happened the same day the Francophone community about 60 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg was celebrating St-Jean-Baptiste Day — the Quebec national holiday honouring the patron saint of French Canadians — with its traditional parade.

Bob Ticknor said he was on one of the floats when he saw the train coming “fairly fast.”

“All of a sudden the brakes went on, we heard the squeal and you could smell the brakes,” he said.

“It’s really sad that an event like this, that’s a celebration of St. Jean Baptiste, was spoiled by an incident like this.”

Local fire officials wouldn’t provide more details about the other party involved in the collision.

The train’s bells ringed non-stop throughout the afternoon.

“Some many people in this community, even from outside this community [came to share] St-Jean-Baptiste Day with us,” said Jessica Hildebrand, who was also participating in the parade.

“Now unfortunately empty streets with this daunting train bell because of this unfortunate incident that happened here today.”

The RCMP said it would provide more details on the incident on Monday.

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