Sentencing hearing for driver in deadly train crash
A sentencing hearing got underway Monday for a Brampton man who admitted to being behind the wheel of the car that crashed into a train at a railway crossing in Tottenham nearly three years ago.
30-year-old Jarmanjeet Singh pleaded guilty to his part in the deadly crash that claimed the lives of two young women, 19 and 24 years of age, who were among four passengers in his car on their way to work the overnight shift when it was hit by the train along the 5th line.
He also pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Singh heard directly from those he hurt in the deadly crash, including the train’s conductor and a passenger in Singh’s car, who lost her sister and best friend that night. Both women read their victim impact statements to the court. CTV News will not be naming the women
“I have been experiencing nightmares,” said the woman who described coming to Canada from India to study and create a new life for herself.
“I can’t even sleep,” she added. Crying, the woman described immense grief and regret for having convinced her younger sister to join her in Canada about a month earlier.
“I have to live with the guilt that I recommended her for the job. She was just 19. She just came to Canada 45 days prior.”
The young woman described the loss of her loved ones and never getting to say goodbye. She told the court she was in a coma fighting for her own life in hospital where she remained for two months following the crash.
She outlined for the court the horrific injuries she suffered that night, including a brain bleed, collapsed lung and damaged spine, ankle and pelvis. She explained persistent and daily headaches as well as long-term effects on her menstrual cycle.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
“Everything is ruined,” she told the court.
The conductor of the train then read her victim impact statement to the court, sharing her life-altering trauma.
“Since October 14, 2021, there hasn’t been a single day of my life that I don’t think about the accident,” she read.
“I will forever be burdened by the actions of a stranger.” The woman described significant physical and mental health challenges she’s faced since the crash. She said it affected her confidence to make once simple, everyday choices.
“This will forever impact my life and those around me,” she explained.
Police said the young women from Brampton were temporary workers at a nearby automotive parts factory and were driven by Singh.
Police confirmed at the time of the crash the train signals were flashing but the crossing did not have arm barriers.
It wasn’t until April of last year, with the help of U.S. customs and border protection officers, provincial police say Singh was tracked down and arrested. He was initially charged with two counts of criminal negligence causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, obstruction of justice and failing to stop at the railway crossing.
Singh’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to resume next month in Barrie, where the remaining two victim impact statements are expected to be read to the court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.