CN Rail says crews are working to clear a derailment that happened last night just west of Edmundston. CN confirms 20-cars derailed in various positions. In an email to newsysj.ca – the company says “there are no leaks – fires – or injuries involved.”
RCMP and NB-EMO tweeted about the derailment last night with EMO indicating there was danger to the public. The Edmundston fire department confirmed to newsysj.ca its Hazardous Materials unit responded but cleared the scene when it was determined it was not required.
The Baker Brook fire department posted a message indicating Route 120 in the area of the derailment remains closed – and – may be closed for up to three days. Traffic is being detoured around the scene.
The Transportation Safety Board told newsysj.ca earlier today it was assessing the situation. Ironically – the derailment occurred hours after the T-S-B released its report into a fatal mishap at CN Rail’s Edmundston yard in December of 2018. The mishap claimed the life of a 33-year old railway worker. The report recommended a clearer definition of regulations related to use of emergency and regular brakes as well as proper methods for ensuring ice and snow don’t build up on the brake shoes of railway cars.
Updated at 3:08pm – The Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating the derailment of a CN Rail train in the St-Hilaire area west of Edmundston. In an email to newsysj.ca – spokesperson Julie Leroux says the Board says 23 of the 171-car train derailed. She says some of those cars contained dangerous goods – however – there was no leak – fire – evacuation – or injuries. Leroux says the agency won’t be dispatching anyone to the site but they are investigating.
