ON Thursday at approximately 6:20 p.m., The New Westminster Police Department received a report of a male who had pushed a female off the Columbia Street SkyTrain Station platform under an oncoming SkyTrain.

Members of the New Westminster Police Department’s Patrol Division and Major Crime Unit members immediately attended the scene along with members from the Transit Police, British Columbia Ambulance Service and New Westminster Fire Department.

A 24-year-old male remained on scene and was taken into custody by New Westminster Police.

The 32-year-old female victim was trapped under the SkyTrain and had to be freed.  She was transported by British Columbia Ambulance Service to hospital.  The victim, who sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, was conscious and talking.

The New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit assumed conduct of the investigation and has interviewed witnesses, reviewed SkyTrain video, and interviewed the male.

“The evidence to date revealed that the victim had a physical altercation with someone on the platform,” said Acting Inspector Andrew Perry. “The male that was taken into custody has been released pending further investigation and no charges have been laid at this time.”

The incident is still under investigation, the New Westminster Police Department said it is aware that there were people on the platform at the time of this incident that they have not spoken with and is encouraging all potential witnesses to contact it at 604-525-5411. Its Victim Assistance Unit is available to support anyone who witnessed this incident.

The incident caused disruption to Expo Line service between New Westminster, Braid and Scott Road SkyTrain Stations. Columbia Station was closed and Expo Line trains turned back at New Westminster, Braid and Scott Road Stations. A bus bridge was set up to transport customers between the three stations.