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A freight train derailment in southwest Calgary sent 11 railcars into a nearby wetland on Monday morning, prompting a response from emergency crews and a hazardous materials team.
The derailment happened around 7:45 a.m. along the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail line near the 17000 block of Sheriff King Street S.W.
According to the Calgary Fire Department, 13 cars derailed, with 11 ending up partially submerged in the Priddis Slough.
Fire department public information officer Alex Kwan said crews arrived to find the train stopped with multiple cars in the water.
The Calgary Fire Department’s hazardous materials team is working alongside CPKC officials to identify the contents of the derailed cars.
Kwan said construction materials could be seen floating in the water, but that packaging used to transport products is designed to keep materials contained.
“We have nothing to indicate that there is any gas spillage or any liquids,” Kwan said, adding that there is “no imminent danger to the public at all.”
Emergency crews are investigating the cause of the incident, and no injuries have been reported. (Mike Symington/CBC)
A technical rescue team was initially deployed but has since been released from the scene.
No injuries have been reported.
Emergency crews say the derailment occurred away from major roadways, so traffic has not been affected. However, Kwan said the response has been complicated by limited access along the waterside.
“There’s less space to work with,” he said.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. Police and fire officials are asking the public to avoid the area while crews continue their work.
