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Bus driver among dead in Ottawa crash

Sept. 18, 2013, Ottawa – The head of the Ottawa transit union confirms the bus driver was among the six people killed when the vehicle plowed through a flashing level crossing and into a passing Via Rail train this morning.

The horrific collision sheared off the front of the bus and knocked the Via locomotive and one of four passenger cars off the tracks.

Paramedics say five people were confirmed dead at the scene and a sixth person later died in hospital.

Thirty others have been taken to hospital, including 10 in critical condition.

Craig Watson of the Amalgamated Transit Union has visited the scene and confirmed to CBC that the driver was killed.

Watson says it almost looks like a bomb went off.

Witnesses on the ground say the northbound bus simply didn't stop, despite flashing lights and lowered safety barriers warning of the westbound train.

Bus passengers say they shouted at the driver to stop to no avail.

Glen Pilon of the Transportation Safety Board says a number of investigators are on the scene but would not comment on a witness report that the driver was trying to brake before the collision.

Pilon adds it's too soon to comment on a possible cause.