Latest news with #RailwaySafety
CTV News
07-08-2025
- General
- CTV News
CN's use of glyphosate in Mercier-Est sparks health and safety concerns
Some residents in Montreal's east end say they were caught off guard after Canadian National (CN) Railway sprayed a herbicide near their homes this week. Some residents in Montreal's east end say they were caught off guard after Canadian National (CN) Railway sprayed a herbicide near their homes this week. Ronald Daigneault, who has lived in Mercier-Est since 1984, said he only received notice the day before glyphosate was applied along the CN tracks running near his home. 'When you come within 20 metres from a house, five metres from a bike path, the concerns should be different,' he said. 'The first priority should be people's health.' Glyphosate is a powerful weedkiller banned in Montreal since 2021, as part of the city's precautionary approach to protecting human health and the environment. But CN operates under federal jurisdiction, which means it isn't subject to municipal rules. Ronald Daigneault, who has lived in Mercier-Est since 1984 Ronald Daigneault, who has lived in Mercier-Est since 1984. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) In a statement to CTV News, the company said it's required by the Railway Safety Act to manage vegetation on its property, which includes maintaining the rock section under its tracks free of all growth. 'This area supports the track infrastructure used for both freight and passenger traffic [...] it must always be kept entirely free of vegetation,' a spokesperson wrote. CN said it mows vegetation wherever possible, but that only chemical products like glyphosate can fully clear the track bed. The spraying in Montreal's Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough was part of its annual vegetation management plan. Expert says it's cheap, effective, but not risk-free David Wees, a faculty lecturer in plant science, and the associate director of the Farm Management and Technology program at McGill University, said glyphosate is widely used because of its ability to kill a broad spectrum of weeds at a relatively low cost. 'But there is slight health risk if you absorb glyphosate or breathe it in,' he said. 'It may cause some skin irritations, irritation to the nose, throat, lungs, eyes and so on.' Warning from the City of Montreal A warning about the spraying of herbicides on CN tracks. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) While glyphosate is approved for use by federal regulators, it remains the subject of debate over potential health and environmental impacts. The World Health Organization's cancer research agency classified it as 'probably carcinogenic to humans,' but other authorities have disagreed. Environmental group's post draws backlash Daigneault is a member of Collectif en environnement Mercier-Est, a community environmental group that publicly flagged the spraying on social media. The group's post was met with a wave of concern, including from several residents who said they hadn't been informed. The borough of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve confirmed it was aware of the planned spraying and that notices were distributed to nearby homes advising residents to stay inside and keep pets indoors. It also said that three inspections were carried out during the operation that took place Tuesday and Wednesday. 'Specifically to ensure compliance with weather conditions to limit the scope of the spraying, as well as the compliance of the permits and certifications of the applicator responsible for using the products chosen by [CN],' reads a statement from borough spokesperson Vincent Fortin. CN tracks CN tracks near Mercier-Est. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) Meanwhile, Daigneault said flyers were delivered to homes on both sides of the tracks — Souligny and Dubuisson avenues — but he said that many residents potentially impacted still didn't know glyphosate was being used. 'That includes people that cross the street here who were not made aware,' he said. 'There's no visual markings informing people that the area was treated with this chemical.' Daigneault added that residents regularly let their cats roam the area near the tracks, where there's tall grass, weeds and lush wild plants. CN tracks CN tracks near Mercier-Est. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) 'Someone walking their dog here also wouldn't know not to let them wander around where the chemical was directly sprayed,' he said. 'These pets could easily bring traces of glyphosate back into their homes.' Spraying halted elsewhere In another sector of the city, plans to spray glyphosate were cancelled after a talk between the borough and CN officials, said the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve spokesperson. The operation was set to take place along the north-south axis running alongside the wooded area of boisé Vimont and the Ray-Mont Logistiques site on the north side of Notre-Dame Street East. But Daigneault said he and others want a full stop to the practice, especially near homes. 'The federal legislation allowing this should be amended to reflect the concerns of citizens,' he said. 'There should be limits for where glyphosate may be used and to impose the use of other methods in residential areas.'
India.com
01-08-2025
- India.com
Young Men Attack Train Passengers For Social Media Fame In Bihar, Now Behind Bars
A disturbing video of young men pulling off a dangerous stunt on passengers on a moving train passing through Nagri Halt in Bihar has caught the Internet's attention. The viral video shows two men standing beside the railway tracks near Nagri Halt, armed with sticks. As the train passes by, one of them is seen waiting to strike passengers sitting on the footpegs near the train's doors. As it speeds past, one of them takes aim and hits unsuspecting passengers sitting on the footboards near the doors. The latter half of the video features the accused in custody, all for reel videos. The entire act appears to be staged for a social media reel. The incident prompted immediate action by the police. According to a video shared by the Railway Protection (RPF) on X, two men were arrested in connection with the incident. Sharing the video on X, the RPF confirmed the arrests and stated that more suspects are being identified. '#RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway,' the RPF wrote. #RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway.#RailwaySafety #BiharNews @rpfecrhq1 @RailMinIndia — RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) July 30, 2025 The video quickly garnered over eight lakh views, prompting a wave of reactions. 'Great work by #RPF for taking prompt action. Such incidents must be dealt with firmly to ensure passenger safety,' a user wrote. 'Good job by RPF arresting two for attacking passengers near Nagri Halt. Hope the ongoing investigation catches others involved in this violent incident,' another user commented. 'They could have killed the passengers, just for some entertainment. Should be hanged to set an example and future safety of passengers,' a third user reacted. 'My brother got hit with stone while washing his hands near basin and one co passenger on his head with the deflected stone on anandvihar bgp vikramshila express at night 8-9,' a fourth user said.
NDTV
31-07-2025
- NDTV
Video: Bihar Men Attack Passengers In Moving Train With Sticks To Make Reels, Arrested
In a shocking video, two young men were spotted attacking the passengers onboard a moving train in the Indian state of Bihar. The video of the incident, which occurred near Nagri Halt in Bhojpur district, went viral on social media platforms as the two men were hitting the passengers with sticks. Watch the video here: #RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway. #RailwaySafety #BiharNews @rpfecrhq1 @RailMinIndia — RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) July 30, 2025 Also Read | Stranded Biker Books Rapido For A Ride, But Not The Way You Think. Watch What Happens Next The attack was allegedly staged to make a reel for social media, as per the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Two men, whose identities were not revealed, were arrested by the authorities, and an FIR was also registered against them. RPF has also warned people against attempting such stunts that put others' lives at risk. "#RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway," RPF wrote on X. Authorities said they are actively tracing other individuals involved in the act. The police are conducting a detailed investigation to prevent such reckless acts in the future. The video sparked widespread criticism, with netizens demanding strict action against the culprits. "Good job by RPF arresting two for attacking passengers near Nagri Halt. Hope the ongoing investigation catches others involved in this violent incident," one user wrote. Some users also expressed concerns over the safety of train passengers. "They could have killed the passengers, just for some entertainment. Should be hanged to set an example and future safety of passengers," a second user wrote. "This is not Masti, it is a crime and book them under strict cases," a third user wrote.
Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Indian Express
Bihar men attack passengers on passing train to make ‘viral' videos; here's what happened next
A disturbing video of young men pulling off a dangerous stunt on passengers on a moving train passing through Nagri Halt in Bihar has caught the Internet's attention. The viral video shows two men standing beside the railway tracks near Nagri Halt, armed with sticks. As the train passes by, one of them is seen waiting to strike passengers sitting on the footpegs near the train's doors. The latter half of the video features the accused in custody, all for reel videos. The incident prompted immediate action by the police. According to a video shared by the Railway Protection (RPF) on X, two men were arrested in connection with the incident. Sharing the video on X, the RPF confirmed the arrests and stated that more suspects are being identified. '#RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway,' the RPF wrote. The RPF also issued a strong warning against such acts, saying such acts not only endanger innocent lives but also pose a serious risk to the perpetrators themselves. They further warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting such reckless stunt for online fame. Watch the video here: #RPF arrested 02 youths for attacking passengers in a viral video shot near #NagriHalt, Bihar, during the crossing of train. FIR registered, others are being traced. Investigation underway.#RailwaySafety #BiharNews @rpfecrhq1 @RailMinIndia — RPF INDIA (@RPF_INDIA) July 30, 2025 The video quickly garnered over eight lakh views, prompting a wave of reactions. 'Great work by #RPF for taking prompt action. Such incidents must be dealt with firmly to ensure passenger safety,' a user wrote. 'Good job by RPF arresting two for attacking passengers near Nagri Halt. Hope the ongoing investigation catches others involved in this violent incident,' another user commented. 'They could have killed the passengers, just for some entertainment. Should be hanged to set an example and future safety of passengers,' a third user reacted. 'My brother got hit with stone while washing his hands near basin and one co passenger on his head with the deflected stone on anandvihar bgp vikramshila express at night 8-9,' a fourth user said.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Northern Commissioner of Railway Safety terms chief's order to share draft of inquiry 'unlawful'
NEW DELHI: The Commissioner of Railway Safety from the Northern Circle has recently refused to comply with an order of its head, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, pertaining to the submitting of train accidents' draft inquiry report before issuing a preliminary investigation report. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northern Circle, has also termed the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety's (CCRS) circular "contrary to the law." When contacted, the CCRS Janak Kumar Garg's office said that the direction was first issued in 2012 to all CRS asking them to share the draft inquiry report of the first three accidents to help them understand the format in which the investigation reports should be compiled. "The order was issued in accordance with the Railway Act 1989," Garg's office said.
