Roughrider fans get close encounter with freight train

The Regina Police Service says it will more clearly warn Rider fans abouttrains after what looked like aclose call on theweekend.

As hundreds of people walked away from the first Roughrider preseason game at the new Mosaic Stadium Saturday night, a freight train rolledbythe bustling crowd.

No one was hurt, but the train incident raised some eyebrows, according to a video recorded of the incident.

"Wow, classic Regina! There is a train," one fan said. "Are you kidding me?"

Rider fans met by train

7 years ago

Duration 0:39

Rider fans leaving the new Mosaic Stadium Saturday night were stopped by a train.

The south exit of the stadium is an estimated 45 metres from the train tracks atElphinstoneStreet that are still in use in the city.

CP trains operate every day of the year without a set schedule, so times the train will be in the area can't be predicted.

Police in Regina release information on the traffic plan before every Rider home game and have pledged to clearly warn people of the possibility of trains in the area.

"We will include a reminder about "not crossing the tracks" in our future "traffic plan" releases," said their spokesperson in an email to CBC. "We can make some suggestions to Mosaic Stadium event staff so that announcers at the games give the same reminders."

According to a deputy with RPS, they have not had any reports of concerns from the city or the public about the CP rail line near Mosaic Stadium, yet.

"There are many places within the city where a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist can cross a train track. All are expected and encouraged to do so only when it's safe to cross," said RPS.

The City of Regina said in 2016 there were 23 collisions and 5 injuries at railway crossings.

More than 50 per cent of people injured or killed while trespassing on railroad tracks have drugs or alcohol in their system.

A spokesperson with CP said drivers and pedestrians attending games at the new Mosaic Stadium should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings because a train could be approaching.

The crossing on Elphinstone has lights, bells and gates to alert people that a train is approaching.