WATCH: Extended video of an interview with Chad Mariage, who survived the Ottawa train-bus crash that happened one year ago Thursday.
OTTAWA – Chad Mariage says the images and sounds of the crash are still vivid one year after six people were killed when the OC Transpo bus he was on collided with a Via Rail passenger train.
“You never think it’s going to happen to you until it does.”
City buses in Ottawa came to a stop this morning in a sombre tribute to the six victims.
Bus drivers who could safely do so pulled over and turned off their engines for a moment of silence at 8:47 a.m. ET — the exact time that Transpo bus 8017 slammed into the Via locomotive last September 18.
Flags on city buildings have been lowered to half-mast for the day in remembrance.
Transit, city and union officials say the tragedy took a toll on the entire city.
The bus route number, 76, has since been officially retired.
But Craig Watson, president of Amalgamated Transit Union local 279, says the catastrophe is still fresh in the minds of city bus drivers, as it is for the surviving passengers and the friends and loved ones of those who died.
READ MORE: Widow of Ottawa bus driver says husband was in good health prior to fatal crash
Watson says he doesn’t think a single driver goes by the spot without remembering what happened and the tragedy of six people’s lives cut short.
The Transportation Safety Board says its investigation into the crash is in the initial report-writing phase.
It’s not known when a final report will be issued, although the agency says it will provide an update next week.
In a statement, Conservative MPs Pierre Poilievre and John Baird – who represent the west-end of Ottawa – said they experience emotions each time they drive past the crossing.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends of the victims, and those injured in this terrible tragedy,” they said.
“To allay the fears of our neighbours, we have been steadfast in our determination to ensure all local rail crossings function the way they should. There is no more important issue for an elected official than the safety and security of Canadians.”
READ MORE: Signals worked, investigating Ottawa bus data and human factors, says TSB
Driver Dave Woodard, was killed when the train sheared off much of the front of the double-decker bus after it went through a rail crossing gate.
Passengers Connor Boyd, Kyle Nash, Michael Bleakney, Karen Krzyzewski and Rob More were also killed.
READ MORE: What we know about the victims in the Ottawa bus crash
OC Transpo general manager John Manconi says since the tragedy, the city has removed brush and anything else that might have obstructed the view at the west-end crossing where the accident happened.
Within a month of the crash, the speed limit on the approach road in both directions was reduced and new warning signs have been erected.
Via Rail has personnel at the crossing every day, monitoring traffic and using signs to slow approaching vehicles and guide trains into and out of the nearby station.
READ MORE: TSB posts photos of Ottawa city bus, Via Rail train collision
With files from Global News
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