Above: Jennifer Palma reports on what caused yesterday’s derailment of a CP train in Burnaby
Mounties say early indications show a heavy rainstorm Friday may have loosened the ground beneath the tracks during a train derailment in Burnaby, B.C. Saturday.
Crews were on the scene Sunday morning cleaning up coal after it spilled into a creek that feeds into Burnaby Lake.
The clean-up involves machinery used to suck large piles of powdered coal from the area, which is designated a sensitive fish and wildlife habitat by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Crews are also on the scene shoveling coal out of areas around the tracks.
Environmental group Voters Taking Action on Climate Change said the incident is a “wake-up call” to examine the risks involved with expanding the coal industry in B.C.
GALLERY: Coal spills into Burnaby creek after train derailment
Just before 11 a.m., the 152-car Canadian Pacific Railway train went off its tracks at Government Street and Brighton Avenue sending four cars toppling over.
Three other cars derailed and were damaged in the incident, but no one was injured.
The issue of rail safety in Canada has been called into question recently after recent derailments, including a deadly incident in Lac Megantic in July.
The coal industry in B.C. is set for massive expansion if a proposal to grow the export capacity of the Fraser Surrey Docks is approved.
READ MORE: Coal train derailment in B.C. highlights debate over expanding industry
Last year, Port Metro Vancouver approved the expansion of Neptune Terminals in North Vancouver, allowing the coal export facility to more than double its capacity.
VTACC said the train that derailed was carrying Teck coal from mines in eastern B.C. to Neptune Terminals.
CP spokesperson Ed Greenberg confirmed the train was carrying metallurgical or thermal coal.
VIDEO: Footage of clean up of B.C. train derailment continues through the night
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