Flags at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission building in North Bay are at half-staff today to honour the passing of one of their own.
"Today we lost a brother. Condolences to family, friends, and coworkers," one Ontario Northland worker stated on social media relating to the tragedy.
The details are minimal, but North Bay Police and Ontario Northland confirmed that an employee of Ontario Northland died in an industrial accident in the ONR's transportation commission rail yards in North Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
"The North Bay Police Service, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police, responded to a reported fatal industrial accident that occurred at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission’s rail yard in which one individual was located deceased at the scene," David Woolley, corporate communications officer with the North Bay Police stated in an email Tuesday night.
See related: Police respond to fatal industrial accident at Ontario Northland
Ontario Northland issued a statement relating to the incident early on Wednesday morning.
"Our hearts go out to the friends, family and fellow members of our Ontario Northland team following this incident," said Rebecca McGlynn, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ontario Northland.
Ontario's Ministry of Labour was contacted and indicated the investigation has moved to the federal level to Transport Canada.
"MLITSD was notified on September 17, 2024, of a fatality incident that occurred at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Rail Yard in North Bay," stated Management and Media Relations, Ontario Ministry of Labour in an email.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the worker during this difficult time.
"It was determined that this investigation falls under federal jurisdiction, and as such falls outside of the Ontario ministry’s inspection and investigation jurisdiction."
BayToday has reached out to Transport Canada for more information.
"As there are ongoing investigations by Transport Canada and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, we cannot provide additional details at this time," North Bay Police added.
