After a long and frustrating night, Via Rail passengers stranded in Brockville, Ontario, are finally back on the move. The disruption began late Sunday when a mechanical issue forced one of the trains to halt unexpectedly, leaving dozens of travellers stuck for hours with little clarity on when service would resume.
Passengers described a tense and tiring night on board, with many saying they received only limited updates as crews worked to diagnose the fault. Some travellers reported dimmed lights, stalled heating, and uncertainty about whether they would need to arrange their own accommodation. Others shared stories of helping one another with food and comfort, as the delay stretched well past midnight.
By early morning, Via Rail technicians had resolved the mechanical problem, and the affected train was cleared to continue toward its destination. Additional crew were brought in to assist, and passengers were offered travel credits and refreshments as part of the company’s apology for the ordeal.
Via Rail acknowledged the disruption in a statement, saying safety had to be the top priority and that the overnight delay, while regrettable, was necessary until the train could be safely moved. The company also said it would review communication protocols to ensure that passengers are better informed during long delays in the future.
Although the journey has resumed, many passengers say the night in Brockville is one they won’t soon forget.