Over a dozen train cars derailed near Mayerthorpe, Ata., on Friday but the RCMP said the derailment posed a low risk to the public.
Police said the incident happened about two kilometres outside the central Alberta town. They said low amounts of powdered sulphur spilled but did not provide further details about what was in the cars.
The RCMP said it was investigating what happened, as well as CN Rail.
CN said 18 cars were involved in the derailment and no injuries were reported. The company also said there were “no environmental concerns and no threat to public safety.”
“The involved cars are carrying pelletized sulphur, a solid industrial product that is not a dangerous good,” CN said in a statement. “Cleanup crews are on the site beginning a cleanup of the cars and removal of the pelletized product.”
CN has asked drivers to avoid the area until the cleanup is complete.
According to the RCMP, many of the derailed cars remained upright Friday night because trees were holding them in place.
Lac Ste. Anne County officials said the derailment occurred on Greencourt Road and was affecting Highway 22 north of Range Road 85. They said removal of the derailed cars was expected to be completed Saturday morning with track repairs to be finished on Saturday afternoon.
Comments