Train derailment cleanup almost complete

According to Lethbridge County, a CPR train derailment south of Lethbridge Monday afternoon had been largely cleared up early Tuesday morning.

Police and emergency officials had closed Township Road 7-2 at Highway 4 while the derailed cars were being moved through the night. Coaldale and District Emergency Services stayed to monitor the situation.

The County reported its crews had left the site by 7 a.m. after the last of the cars were moved to the side of the tracks.

“Coaldale and District Emergency Services did an excellent job of ensuring the public’s safety during this event,” said Ann Mitchell, Lethbridge County Chief Administrative Officer. “As CP Rail is still working in the area, the public is asked to be aware of equipment and to stay away from the derailed cars for your safety.”

In an emailed statement, CP Rail confirmed it had reopened the tracks by 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday following the necessary safety checks on the line. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, the company said.

At about 3:30 p.m. Monday, it was reported a CP Rail train was heading south on the rail lines adjacent to Highway 4 near Township Road 7-2, south of the junction with Highway 845 about 20 kilometres southeast of Lethbridge near Stirling when it derailed coming around a curve. No injuries were reported and officials said there was no risk to the public as the cars contained only canola.

Herald photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald Canadian Pacific Railway workers walk past the scene Monday where about a dozen railcars left the tracks spilling a load of canola adjacent to Highway 4 northwest of the community of Stirling.