A father and his two little girls were killed after their pickup truck was hit by a VIA Rail passenger train Tuesday morning.
The crash happened just after 8:30 a.m. in the Winterburn industrial area, west of 215 Street and 111 Avenue.
It appears that the force of the crash pushed the vehicle into a ditch next to the train tracks. Edmonton police say the two young victims are under the age of ten.
The tragedy has hit home for students at Winterburn School. Officials at the school arranged for student to take home a sealed letter for parents informing them of the accident.
"The decision was made to let their parents share the information with them. We didn't want them on school buses for a long period of time with this knowledge and no support for them," said Jane Sterling with Edmonton Public Schools.
Karyn Hick tells CTV News she called 911 after watching the morning crash unfold.
"I heard a loud crash like a door being slammed really hard and I saw the vehicle fly. When the train left, I wasn't sure if I was imagining it."
There was minor damage to the train. CN Rail, Via Rail and Edmonton police are all involved in the investigation. Officials are now trying to determine if the lights, bells and arm crossings were working or if other factors played a role.
"We'll be taking a look at that information basically to ensure that from an operating perspective that the train was operating as it should be," said Katherine Kaloutsky with Via Rail Canada.
Hick says she observed both the railway crossing's lights and bells working prior to the collision.
School officials say a crisis team will be made available at the school for the days to come. CTV News has been told the girls' mother has been notified, and that she also has a young son.
With files from Serena Mah
