12 December 2008
Train Derails Near Grand Coulee
RCMP, the Regina Fire Department, and EMS responded to a train
derailment near Grand Coulee west of Regina Thursday night.
Grand Coulee Saskatchewan - A Canadian Pacific Railway
freight train that derailed Thursday night on the main CP Rail line adjacent to Grand Coulee posed no safety threats to the community,
a company spokeswoman said.
"There were no injuries and no public safety issues. I am sure the residents of Grand Coulee can see the incident but they should
know that there are no public safety issues," Breanne Feigel told the Leader-Post late Thursday night.
"It is a train carrying potash so it is not a regulated commodity. It is not a dangerous substance, and there are no
environmental issues."
According to Feigel the derailment occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. (central time) on the main line adjacent to Grand Coulee, about 20
minutes west of Regina.
"Reports are that there are approximately 20 potash cars involved in the incident and they are not all upright. Some of them are
stacked on each other," Feigel said.
"One of our tail-end locomotives was involved in the derailment. There was a small amount of fuel leaking from that
unit and it was quickly contained. We had first responders on site but we also had CP personnel quite quickly on site and they had the
proper containment equipment. So the situation is well on hand there and emergency response teams (Regina firefighters and emergency
medical services) have since left the scene (shortly before 10 p.m.)."
Feigel said the derailment is under investigation.
"Certainly safety is a priority for the company and we are going to launch a full investigation into this incident and look into
the causes," she added.
Feigel said traffic on that line has been suspended for the time being as clean-up crews begin the task of repairing the
damage to the railway line and removing the damaged cars.
"I don't have details on the line reopening at this time. It is pretty early and they are just assessing the situation and are
heading down to the scene with the right people to make those decisions. But we do have other options for moving train traffic in the
area so we will be exercising those options in the meantime."
|
