UPDATED to include comment from CP Rail – 0900 CST Friday December 2, 2022 – A train derailment near Macoun, Sask., on the morning of Dec. 1 forced five homeowners to evacuate their property in the southeastern corner of the province.
The derailment on the Canadian Pacific Railway line happened at about 10 a.m., CP said in an email.
A CP spokesperson said the line was reopened Friday morning allowing train movements to resume.
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“The TSB (Transportation Safety Board) of Canada has deployed investigators to the scene and the cause of the incident remains under investigation,” CP said Dec. 1.
“Two cars carrying liquefied petroleum gas were involved in the derailment…. There were no injuries.”
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.
The derailment happened about one kilometre from the west entrance to Macoun, a town of 250 people northwest of Estevan.
“There’s approximately 25 homes that have been asked to evacuate,” said Suzanne Kuchinka, Macoun’s mayor.
With the wind blowing away from the community, residents were not exposed to the black smoke from the fire.
First responders from the town of Midale, Sask., were first on the scene, along with Estevan Fire and Rescue. Provincial government staff also responded.
“CP immediately mobilized emergency crews to respond to the incident and CP’s hazardous materials experts now are on site co-ordinating with local emergency responders,” CP said.
Kuchinka was pleased with the response to the accident.
“It’s very well taken care of,” she said. “A great group of professionals. Everything is under control and there is no cause for alarm… in the area.”
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