Calgary Fire Department Update on Train Derailment

 

 

Yesterday at approximately 5:20 p.m. the Calgary Fire Department responded to a report of a train derailment in Alyth Yard near 19 Avenue and 15 Street S.E. When crews arrived they discovered eight derailed rail tank cars, six of them overturned. A break in a natural gas line exacerbated the emergency situation.

 

In the interest of public safety, Blackfoot Trail, 15 Street and 9 Avenue S.E. were closed. Also, Calgary Police Service evacuated buildings near the area and in total 142 residences and 12 businesses were briefly affected. The natural gas lines were quickly shut-down and hazardous material technicians confirmed the product in the derailed cars is a flammable and volatile hydrocarbon used as a diluting agent in piplelines.

 

The Department is working closely with Canadian Pacific (CP) and late last night CP brought in specialty equipment and heavy machinery to safely off-load the product from the train cars, this work still continues at present. When the product is completely removed the cars will be righted.

 

This morning with the hazard largely mitigated, Blackfoot Trail and 9 Avenue are now open to traffic, only 15 Street between 9 Avenue and Blackfoot Trail remains closed due to operational demands.

 

The Department is being aided by the Calgary Police Service (including HAWCS), EMS, Calgary Transit and ATCO.

 

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