# Coroner Recommends Reviewing REM Fencing After Fatal Accident Coroner Julie-Kim Godin suggests redesigning anti-intrusion barriers if unauthorized access persists near tracks. - **Source:** [Le Devoir](https://www.ledevoir.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/09732803-8cc9-4444-a0c4-9d70132640fc ## Fatal Incident Details In November 2025, brothers Samuel and Simon Brochu were struck and killed by an automated REM train in Brossard. The incident occurred at 2:45 a.m. while the group attempted to cross the tracks near the Du Quartier station. One other individual in their group sustained injuries during the tragic collision. ## Pedestrian Bridge Closure The victims chose to cross the tracks because the nearby pedestrian bridge over Highway 10 was closed at the time. Previously, access to this bridge was restricted to the REM's operational hours. Following the tragedy, authorities updated the policy, and the bridge has been accessible twenty-four hours a day since April. ## Coroner's Safety Recommendations Coroner Julie-Kim Godin has officially recommended that REM management reconsider the design of their anti-intrusion fencing. While current measures have been implemented, the coroner suggests that if unauthorized access continues, structural changes are necessary. The goal is to prevent future fatalities by creating a more effective physical barrier against pedestrians. ## Automated System Limitations The REM trains currently lack sensors to detect people or objects on the tracks. Management stated that such systems are incompatible with automated operations, citing risks of frequent, dangerous emergency braking caused by snow or small animals. These sudden stops could potentially cause physical injuries to passengers inside the moving train. ## Surveillance and Response A centralized surveillance system detected the intrusion at 3:05 a.m., coinciding with the collision. Security teams arrived on-site within ten minutes of the alert. Notably, the coroner's report mentions that an maintenance employee witnessed the individuals climbing the fence but failed to notify the authorities before the accident occurred. ## Current Fencing Specifications The existing anti-intrusion barrier stands approximately 2.45 meters tall. REM representatives have expressed reluctance to modify the current design, arguing that higher or curved fences could pose safety risks to motorists on Highway 10. They fear such structures might interfere with road safety in the event of a vehicle collision. ## Implemented Safety Measures Beyond opening the pedestrian bridge around the clock, the REM has enhanced signage near the Du Quartier station. A new fence was also installed along the edge of Highway 10 to further deter pedestrians. These combined efforts aim to mitigate the risks associated with the high-traffic area near the transit line. ## Future Monitoring Required The coroner concluded that the deaths were accidental and emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of the sector. Officials will evaluate the effectiveness of current measures over the coming months. If intrusion rates do not decline, the design of the anti-intrusion fencing must be re-examined to ensure public safety remains prioritized. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ledevoir.com/actualites/transports-urbanisme/1023506/coroner-suggere-revoir-conception-cloture-rem-si-intrusions-repetent — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._