OVR concerned that recent mischief could cause derailment

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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Over the long weekend in August, 3 padlocks were removed from rail switches located under the Main St overpass that belong to the Ottawa Valley Railway (OVR).

The locks were replaced with high security locks however, overnight on Sept 18th a bolt was removed that allowed the switch assembly to be removed.

The company then had the bolts tack welded to prevent a reoccurrence. Over the past weekend the 3 high security locks from the same 3 switches were removed.

There is no evidence to indicate the high security locks were cut off.

OVR is concerned that any movement of the switches when not locked could cause a derailment, and hazardous content could be spilled.

One of the switches leads to the ONR yards and if that switch is changed, a collision could occur with any trains or cars parked in the yards.

Additional prevention measures will be taken by the OVR. Cst Barry MacIntosh is investigating.

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