9 June 2006
Train Hauling Coal Derails in Frank
Frank - Councillor Gary Taje was at a conference in
Montreal when he first heard the news that there had been a train derailment in the Pass.
His first reaction, he says, was relief upon hearing there were no injuries and no property damage.
CPR spokesman, Ed Greenberg, says there were 105 cars total, and 22 left the tracks.
"We're in the process of a complete clean-up. Alberta Environment attended the site and were satisfied with the
clean-up. At this point, there are no environmental issues," he explained, adding it's too early to speculate as to a
cause of the derailment. "Safety is paramount at a scene like this."
Councillor Taje says his second reaction was frustration, stemming from recent debates as to where a new railway siding in the Pass
should go. "This incident underscores what we've been stressing - the things that (can unfold) when a train derails," said
Councillor Taje, adding he thinks the Pass is very fortunate the train was only hauling coal and not a dangerous substance. "This
is a minor example of the disruption that can occur."
He says this incident shows the potential problems that could happen if the siding goes into its proposed location, which would cross
the track on 81 Street in Coleman.
"We're hooped to get access to Bushtown with emergency vehicles if a (train derails in that area). Our main concern is for the
residents of the Pass."
Greenberg says the line through the Pass is used mainly to transport coal, potash, lumber and grain, and adds he doesn't think it's fair
to link CPR's siding project with this incident. "We respect the concerns being raised and we want to ensure (people know) we take
train safety very seriously," said Greenberg. "We're recognized as one of the safest railroads in North America (because) we
follow strict protocols and procedures in safe railways and maintenance."
Although a cause of the derailment is not known, means of investigating include an analysis of the scene and rail line, reviewing the
black box, talking with crew members, and looking into environmental factors. "It will be a comprehensive investigation. We'll take
the evidence back to the laboratory (but) it could be months before we come up with a cause," said Greenberg.
Mayor John Irwin was also in Montreal for Sunday's derailment. On Saturday, Mayor Irwin spoke with CPR's upper management, Mark Seland,
and requested a meeting regarding Pass siding concerns. Business cards were exchanged and a meeting tentatively scheduled. Immediately
after Mayor Irwin heard the news of the derailment, he called Seland. "I (told Seland) this is the best place in the community (a
derailment) could have happened. A worse place would have been where (CPR) is planning on putting (the siding)," said Mayor Irwin,
adding Seland seemed much more willing to meet regarding the siding issue following the derailment. No definite date has been set.
Melissa Brown, program manager with Crowsnest Conservation, says she is incredibly relieved that no one was injured and the train was
only carrying coal.
"(This incident) definitely brings the issues to the forefront. As a community, we need to consider all implications of a similar
accident. Thankfully this incident involved coal, and was not immediately adjacent to a wetland or the Crowsnest River."
Councillor Taje says he hopes with this recent incident, more residents of the Pass will come out and voice their opinions on the siding
location. The rail line was re-opened on Tuesday at approximately 1:30 a.m. Greenberg says CPR will continue to investigate
the cause of the derailment.
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