The Canadian Pacific Railway train was carrying liquefied petroleum gas, and the ensuing fire forced homes to be evacuated
A Dec. 1 train derailment near Macoun, Sask., forced five homeowners to evacuate their property.
The derailment on the Canadian Pacific Railway line happened at about 10 a.m., about one kilometre from the west entrance to Macoun, a town of 250 people northwest of Estevan.
“The TSB (Transportation Safety Board) of Canada has deployed investigators to the scene and the cause of the incident remains under investigation,” CP said in an email.
“Two cars carrying liquefied petroleum gas were involved in the derailment…. There were no injuries.”
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Photos of the accident show a massive fire, with derailed tanker cars next to Highway 39.
The highway was closed for most of Dec. 1-2.
But the rail line, the Soo Line that runs from Moose Jaw to Minneapolis, reopened Dec. 2.
First responders from the town of Midale were first on the scene, along with Estevan Fire and Rescue. Provincial government staff and CP also responded to the accident.
“It’s very well taken care of,” said Macoun Mayor Suzanne Kuchinka. “A great group of professionals. Everything is under control and there is no cause for alarm… in the area.”
By the weekend, the evacuated residents had returned to their homes and people in the community had resumed their lives, Carmen Dodd-Vicary, Macoun’s chief administrative officer, told CTV News.
“Around town, it’s business as usual.”
