A family is coming to grips with a tragedy after a father and his two little girls were killed in a truck-train crash Tuesday morning.
The crash victims have been identified by family members as John Baxter, and his daughters, Julianne, age 9, and Coral, age 7.
Baxter's brother tells CTV News this has devastated the family. James Baxter says his brother was a good father and he and his little girls are missed.
"It's a sad time for our entire family," said James Baxter.
The three were killed after their pickup truck was hit by a VIA Rail passenger train just after 8:30 a.m. in the Winterburn industrial area, west of 215 Street and 111 Avenue.
It appears that the force of the crash pushed the vehicle into a ditch next to the train tracks.
The tragedy has hit home for students at Winterburn School. Officials at the school arranged for student to take home a sealed letter for parents informing them of the accident.
"[It's] a sad tragedy that we have lost two of our students and their father," said Winterburn School principal Shane Dzivinski. "It has shaken the foundation of our school community."
Dzivinski says Julianne and Coral were vibrant and full of life. The principal says a crisis team has been made available at the school to help students grieve the loss of their classmates.
CN Rail, Via Rail and Edmonton police are all involved in the investigation to determine what caused the crash. Officials are now trying to determine if the lights, bells and arm crossings were working, or if other factors played a role.
Baxter leaves behind his wife, Alana and their two-and-a-half-year-old son, John Jr.
With files from Serena Mah
