Train derailment quickly contained

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

A train derailment west of Carseland was quickly contained and cleaned up on April 23. CP Rail spokesperson Salem Woodrow said the incident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m.
“A freight train derailed eight cars near the community of Carseland. Seven were carrying products used to make fertilizer and one car was empty. This was a slow speed derailment,” said Woodrow.
CPs emergency protocols were immediately enacted, along with safety precautions and measures, as CPs crews, local officials and emergency responders reported to the scene.
“In situations like that the first thing we do is contain the site, make sure that no one gains access. Meanwhile professionals, so the hazmat group – CPs representatives- would assess the situation,” said Alan Parkin, chief administrative officer for Wheatland County.
“We had a site meeting there, CP organized a site meeting (at approximately 5:30 p.m.)… and let everybody know the situation and that the site was fine and contained and that we could stand down our fire department.”
Parkin said CP called in professionals from Calgary to assess the situation. Large equipment was also brought in to right the train cars, and to help safely remove the material from within the cars.
The derailment didn’t occur on the mainline, it instead took place on one of the spur lines.
Woodrow said there were no injuries to the crew, nor any environmental concerns or public safety issues, and said the incident will undergo a full investigation.