GO Train Derails Near Union Station
A GO Transit train derailment near Union Station caused significant signal problems and delays for Toronto commuters during the evening. The incident impacted multiple lines, and riders were advised to check for schedule updates. The disruption highlighted a point of vulnerability in the city's central transit hub.
- A preliminary investigation by Metrolinx found that the derailment was caused by the failure of rail fastenings on a section of track. Screws at nine locations "sheared under fatigue," allowing the rail to move by just over an inch, which was enough to cause the train to leave the tracks. - The investigation also revealed that the failed track section was not up to Metrolinx's standards, which were updated in 2016 to require four screws at each fastening location; only two screws were used in this particular section. Toronto Terminals Railway (TTR) is responsible for maintaining the track, and an investigation is underway to understand how this non-compliance persisted through numerous inspections. - The incident occurred at what Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay described as the "worst possible place," a critical "hinge point" in the network. The disabled train took out four platforms at Union Station, leading to significant, week-long delays and revised timetables across the entire GO network. - The train involved was on the Kitchener line and was moving at a low speed when the rear car derailed. After derailing, the train continued to move, destroying two track switches and related signaling infrastructure before the brake was applied. - There were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. Metrolinx offered an apology for the disruptions and provided refunds to passengers whose trips were impacted by the derailment. - Following the incident, crews inspected the entire Union Station rail corridor and found "one or two" other sections with similar screw deficiencies, which were immediately rectified. Full service was restored on February 7, 2026, more than five days after the derailment.
