GOING OFF THE RAILS
Eight grain cars en route to Vancouver derailed near Ellerslie Road and Parsons Road Friday afternoon. No injuries were reported, though traffic was rerouted for hours.
Ellerslie Road was closed in both directions between Parsons Road and Gateway Boulevard for hours as emergency crews and investigators responded to a derailed train.
Eight cars had reportedly “overturned,” Edmonton Fire Rescue spokeswoman Maya Filipovic said Friday.
Hazmat crews were called to the scene, but found no dangerous goods leaking.
A spokesperson for Canadian Pacific Railway said there were no injuries or dangerous goods involved and there was no risk to the public.
Officials on scene said the train was carrying grain.
“CP takes this incident very seriously. We immediately dispatched personnel and equipment to the site to begin the process of cleaning up the derailed cars. Our focus will be on safety as we begin this work,” said CP Rail spokesman Andy Cummings.
The derailment happened near 101 Street and Ellerslie Road. The road will be closed until the cleanup is complete.
Crews got the call at 2:25 p.m. Friday and arrived four minutes later. Nine units were initially on scene, Filipovic said.
CP Rail superintendent Greg Jaggernauth said the investigation into what caused the derailment is underway.
Jaggernauth said crews were expected to clear the intersection on Ellerslie Road within a few hours, but heavy equipment will have to be brought in to move the damaged cars.
The train was departing Edmonton for Vancouver when it derailed.