VIA Rail says its trains are experiencing delays of up to three hours in the Kingston, Ont. area, as police investigate a suspicious package near the railway tracks.
Police said just after 12 p.m. Saturday that there was an ongoing investigation in the area of John Counter Boulevard and Montreal Street, and asked the public to avoid the area. A police spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa the investigation was focusing on a suspicious package near the railway tracks.
“There is no verification currently that the item is explosive, however we are taking appropriate safety precautions,” Const. Cameron Mack said in an email.
VIA Rail says a police operation “out of its control” shut down the tracks in both directions just outside of Kingston.
“The incident does not involve a VIA Rail train; however, it has impacted our operations,” VIA Rail said in a statement.
“All VIA Rail trains travelling through the area have been stopped while the police continue their investigation. VIA Rail’s operations team is managing the situation and passengers will be kept informed by service managers on board as the situation evolves.”
There is no word on when VIA Rail service will resume in the area.