26 January 2009
Train Derailed in Canmore
A derailed train caused an evacuation in Canmore earlier
Monday.
Canmore Alberta - Emergency officials in Canmore have
lifted an evacuation order, enacted earlier Monday, following a train derailment in the resort town near Calgary.
Nine railcars - carrying cargo such as butane and glycol - derailed in the western Alberta town at about 6:45 a.m., forcing a
precautionary evacuation of nearby businesses, hotels, and a high school.
RCMP spokesman Sgt. Patrick Webb said the decision to evacuate was as a precuationary move.
"The biggest situation (was) the unknown. We didn't know what was in at the time," said Webb.
It's since been determined there is no danger to the public.
Breanne Feigel, spokeswoman for CP Rail, said nine cars were involved in the derailment, two of those tipped over. Both contained
glycol - a chemical used in the production of automotive antifreeze - and one leaked a little, but the leak was limited to CP property
and "doesn't pose a threat", Feigel said.
She added the cause of the derailment is still unknown.
"We're evaluating each and every aspect of this incident and we'll be launching a full investigation to determine why," she
said.
Nearby schools, a recreation centre and a hotel - the Quality Resort Chateau Canmore - were evacuated as a precaution following the
derailment.
Hotel general manager Greg Ivany said the hotel, which is hosting athletes from 13 countries, was about 90 percent full when the
evacuation notice was given.
They decided to pull the fire alarm and make sure everyone was out.
He was in the hotel when the cars came off the track.
"The train is always a little loud going by, but this morning it was very loud. It shook the windows," said Ivany.
Greek biathlon participant Kleahlhies Karamichas said news of the derailment was a concern for many of the participants who were
planning on training for the event that has brought them to Canmore.
"It's not good. All the people, they have nerves. They want concentration before (the event) and this is not good," he said.
Parts of Canmore was also closed to traffic due to the derailment. No injuries have been reported.
Canmore, in the eastern Rockies, is about 100 kilometres west of Calgary.
Additional photo here.
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