It is a tragedy that will never be forgotten.
In June 2001, Airdrie’s Andrew West, 13, was walking along the tracks on his way home from school. With his headphones on, he didn’t hear the train approaching from behind and was killed when it struck him.
It was just 11 days before his 14th birthday.
Although the pain of the nightmarish experience will never end for the teen’s family, they have channelled their grief into something positive – joining Operation Lifesaver, an organization dedicated to educating others in an attempt to prevent a similar tragedy.
“Andrew is the very first accident that happened in Airdrie, and I don’t want it to ever happen again,” said mother Roxane. “I don’t ever want any parent to go through this again.”
During this year’s National Rail Safety Week, which will take place April 30 to May 6, Roxane and her children, along with Betty Melik, Roxane’s mom, will be partnering with Airdrie RCMP and Citizens On Patrol, making presentations around the community.
On May 2 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the railway crossing near 1st Avenue, they will also be handing out information, which will focus on this year’s Rail Safety Week theme “These Tracks are for Trains.”
Melik, who has been involved with Operation Lifesaver since the accident, said she is often frustrated that the message about staying off the tracks seems to go unheeded in the city.
“It still happens today and it is not just the young people,” she said. “I have seen adults with little children walking along the tracks. They are putting their lives at risk.”
Melik said it is important for people to be aware when they are near tracks, whether they are in a car, or a pedestrian.
“Trains can’t stop,” she said, adding that if an accident occurs, the affect is gruesome.
“When this happens, and you are going to the funeral, don’t expect to see a body,” said Melik. “There is no body anymore.”
Despite her frustrations, Melik said her involvement in Operation Lifesaver is worth it if it saves one life.
Roxane agrees and says she won’t let her son’s life be forgotten.
“(Every year) we do a blitz to keep everyone in Airdrie healthy and happy,” she said. “That is why we are fighting for them, because Airdrie is a good place to live.”
Roxane wants everyone, including pedestrians and drivers to realize the power and speed of trains.
“Just stay away from the tracks,” she said. “Be aware of your surroundings. It is very important.”
For one full week each year, Operation Lifesaver, along with its partners, holds a number of events and activities throughout Canada to bring attention to its rail safety message.
This year, it will be unveiling seven new trespassing themed posters to bring the message that railway tracks and the land surrounding them are private property.
For more information, visit www.operationlifesaver.ca
