Sudden violent rains Monday, July 8, 2013, caused flooding on GO Transit tracks adjacent to the Don River in the Greater Toronto Area, stranding more than 1,000 riders for several hours.
More than 300 riders were still stranded as of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the Toronto Star reported, with all riders removed from the train sometime after 1:00 a.m. Tuesday through rescue efforts. Twitter photos showed riders adjusting to water flooding the lower level of the GO Transit BiLevel equipment, with many retreating to the upper level as the water continued to rise. Motive power and head-end power ceased to function due to flooding.
Water and food were brought to the riders as rescue boats commenced removing those on the train. A police report early Tuesday noted passengers "were safely removed and taken to a place of safety." Few injuries were reported, with all classified as minor in nature.
GO Transit said the storm left portions of track "completely under water" on its Milton, Richmond Hill, and Lakeshore West lines. The agency recommended riders seek alternative travel arrangements Tuesday.
An estimated 127 millimeters (5 inches) of rain accumulated during a six-hour period, knocking out power to portions of Toronto and also affecting Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar and bus services, though most TTC lines resumed operations Tuesday.