The community of La Broquerie is reeling after a tragic incident as the Saint Jean Baptiste parade was coming to an end on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency crews were called to the train crossing at Principale Street around 12:40 pm after a train struck a female pedestrian.

Witnesses say the elderly woman and her male companion were trying to cross in front of the oncoming train. Many suggested the busyness and noise of the parade may have been distracting and contributed to the accident.

Community members have been taking to social media offering condolences, words of comfort and support for those who witnessed the incident, many of them children.

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As of 5:30 PM, trains were moving through La Broquerie again and Principale Street was open to traffic with some emergency crews still on scene.

SteinbachOnline has reached out to officials with RCMP, CN Rail, La Broquerie Fire, RM of La Broquerie and local schools and divisions. This is a developing story and we will provide further information as it becomes available.

If you or someone you know is looking for help, find local mental health supports here

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