RCMP says ATV hit train in fatal crash

Two men in their early 20s were killed Saturday when the ATV they were driving struck the side of a moving CN train in Drummond, police say.

"It was determined the ATV collided with the side of the train," District 10 RCMP Const. Yves Richard said Sunday.

The ATV hit the front locomotive on the tracks that intersected with Beaulieu Mill Road at about 7:45 a.m. Saturday, he said. 

"It struck the side of the train approximately 23 feet from the front of the train. They were driving on the public roadway," Richard said.

The men, aged 23 and 24, were taken to hospital in nearby Grand Falls where they were later pronounced dead.

"Speed is possibly a factor, it's yet to be determined, and obviously an autopsy will tell us a bit more," Richard said.

An autopsy was being performed Sunday in Saint John. 

Daniel Boucher, president of the New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation and chief instructor for the ATV rider course, said the fatal crash illustrates the need for more education around railway safety.

"Hopefully, we're going to be able to reach out to the community and make sure it doesn't happen again," he said Sunday.

Boucher said the federation also wants more trails built in the province to give people safer areas to access.