18 January 2011

Train Carrying Hazardous Material
Derails Near Innisfail

Niobe Alberta - Highway 2A north of Innisfail remains closed after some cars from a southbound freight train derailed, including tankers bearing toxic chemicals.
 
The highway is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday afternoon.
 
Innisfail RCMP said a 96-car Canadian Pacific Railway train was involved.
 
Sixteen cars left the rails near the Niobe grain elevator at about 5:20 a.m., including five that contained anhydrous ammonia, railway spokesperson Kevin Hrysak said. The cars were about 20 back from the locomotive, said Hrysak.
 
There were no leaks from any of the cars and no danger to the public, he said. However, access to the area remains closed while officials deal with the derailed cars. Hrysak said there is no way to know how long it will take.
 
Hazardous materials crews remain on scene, but no cars have yet been moved as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
 
Rail crews expect to start moving cars later Tuesday afternoon, said Hrysak.
 
Innisfail RCMP, Red Deer County Patrol, and CP Rail officials are working together on traffic control. An investigation is underway, but the cause of the derailment is not yet known.
 
RCMP said a motor vehicle accident occurred near the derailment site, which they attributed to a motorist slowing to look at the train and being struck from behind. Tow trucks removed two damaged vehicles.