2 people killed by trains in 5 days in Terrace, B.C.

Two people have been killed by trains in Terrace in just five days.

Both deaths happened along the same stretch of the CN rail line that runs through the middle of the northern B.C. town.

Crossing the tracks is illegal, but it's a popular pedestrian shortcut between downtown and the nearby Walmart, cutting an hour-long walk down to five minutes.

"We can see people walking across the tracks [and] we hear about people who are going under the trains to go across," said Terrace mayor Carol LeClerc.

"Having two deaths in less than a week should bring some light onto this issue."

CN spokesperson Kate Fenske urged the public to stay off CN property and equipment, and said the company is working with the city to prevent future trespassing on its rail yard.

"These incidents are tragic reminders that reinforce the fact that trespassing on railway property is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous," Fenske said in an emailed statement.

"We will continue to work with local community groups in Terrace to deter potential trespassers and raise awareness of rail safety."

With files from Betsy Trumpener.