A vehicle crashed into the Sleepy Hollow Railway storage building in Strathroy. July 1, 2024. Photo courtesy of Strathroy-Caradoc Police.A vehicle crashed into the Sleepy Hollow Railway storage building in Strathroy. July 1, 2024. Photo courtesy of Strathroy-Caradoc Police.
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Strathroy volunteers assessing ability to operate train for kids after Canada Day crash

The Strathroy Model Railroad Engineers is assessing the ability to continue operating its train for children this summer, after a vehicle crashed into its storage building on Canada Day.

The single vehicle crash -- into the Sleepy Hollow Railway building at the Strathroy Fairground Complex on Metcalfe Street -- was reported at around 3:30 a.m.

"A large majority of the rolling stock was damaged to varying extents. Additionally, various displays, artifacts, and small layouts were damaged or destroyed," the volunteer group said in a Facebook post.

The Sleepy Hollow Railway is owned by the municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and consists of a storage and maintenance building with a platform for passengers.

It has 275 metres (900 feet) of single and double track, and there had been plans to expand to 950 metres (3000 feet).

The group said it would update the public with more information in the coming days and weeks.

"We know that the Sleepy Hollow Railway is a beloved attraction and we are committed to repairing and rebuilding to restore the operations to their full potential. We thank everyone for your patience while we do so," the group added.

Strathroy-Caradoc Police said no one was injured in the crash.

An individual under the age of 18-years-old was arrested and charged with impaired driving.

The teen's drivers licence was suspended and the vehicle was impounded for 90 days.

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