Rain pounds Toronto, strands commuters on train
'The water was about up to my stomach in the car and the power just shut off'
Jul 9, 2013 
Commuters were stranded for more than three hours on a GO Train before a police marine unit arrived. All 1,400 passnegers were rescued by about 1 a.m. (Mark Blinch/Reuters)
Toronto police and firefighters have rescued some 1,400 people from a commuter train that had become stranded on tracks — with water up to the windows — after a record rainfall pounded the city and slowed the evening commute.
A month's worth of rain fell on Toronto in just a few hours, creating flash flooding and leaving some tracks that GO Trains use covered in water.
A rush-hour train that was bound for Richmond Hill saw water seep onto its lower level and passengers take refuge on its upper deck.
Mike Li, a commuter, told The Canadian Press the GO Transit train became stuck after trying to back away from the water pooling on a section of track.
"People take it for what it's worth, but some are frustrated too," he said.
The commuters were stranded for more than three hours before a police marine unit arrived. The evacuation of the train was complete by about 1 a.m. with only minor injuries to five or six passengers, who were treated on the scene.
GO Transit officials said the damage to the tracks was not yet known but Tuesday morning's service was "expected to be impacted." The transit company suggested passengers seek alternative ways to travel.
"We cannot guarantee we'll have have morning rush-hour service," said one official.
It was also unclear if the Toronto subway system would be in full operation by morning.
Power and signal issues brought the subway system to a halt, though by 8 p.m. some stations were open again, as was the Scarborough Rapid Transit Line and most streetcars.
Late Monday, the TTC's Brad Ross advised commuters to check an online Twitter feed to see the status of the Tuesday commute. FULL STORY>>>
