A 64-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after being struck by an Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) vehicle during a test run in Scarborough on Saturday afternoon. Toronto police reported that they received a call about the incident at 12:56 p.m. near Eglinton Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue.

The woman was hit by the front of the LRT vehicle and was transported to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries, according to Duty Inspector Brian Maslowski. He stated during a news conference at the scene that the woman was alone when she crossed the path of the train on a raised section of the rail line.

"Our information is that he (the driver) tried his level best to warn this pedestrian but unfortunately it did not end well," Maslowski said. He added that the driver is receiving support following the incident.

A police collision reconstruction unit is currently investigating the accident, and officers are canvassing the area for video footage. Police are also asking anyone with dashcam recordings from the time of the crash to come forward.

Metrolinx, the transportation agency overseeing the LRT project, expressed its condolences in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all impacted by this event and we thank emergency responders for their quick response," the agency said. Metrolinx is collaborating with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and other officials to investigate the incident, but did not provide details about who was in the LRT vehicle at the time of the accident or whether it was part of a testing or training operation.

At the scene, TTC workers, special constables, and police were present near the halted train on the westbound track. The incident caused significant traffic delays along Eglinton Avenue as emergency vehicles blocked several lanes.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT project has faced numerous delays over the past decade. Despite Metrolinx transferring train operations to the TTC in June, there are concerns that the project may not meet its September opening target. The LRT is designed to connect east and west Toronto, with stops from Kennedy to Mount Dennis. In July, outgoing TTC CEO Greg Percy described a September opening as "a reach," but noted that "this fall is plausible and certainly by year’s end."