Cleanup efforts are ongoing in the eastern area of Cranbrook, British Columbia, following a train derailment that led to a propane leak and the evacuation of some rural properties along the Kootenay River over the weekend. According to a company spokesperson, Patrick Waldron, track repairs were completed early Sunday, and the rail corridor has been reopened to traffic after safety inspections. Crews are currently working on removing the derailed cars from the site.
The incident occurred on Saturday in a remote location about 16 kilometers east of Cranbrook, involving approximately 12 cars, including those transporting wood products and three tanker cars carrying propane. The Regional District of East Kootenay issued an evacuation order for five nearby properties and declared a state of local emergency, but both were lifted on Saturday evening after assessments confirmed no further risk to the public.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks of British Columbia mentioned that most of the rail cars involved in the derailment were carrying non-hazardous materials. Additionally, lumber from one of the damaged rail cars fell into the Kootenay River, while one propane tank on land was reported to be leaking.
Propane, typically stored in pressurized tanks as a colorless and odorless liquid, can become a highly flammable gas when released, making propane leaks hazardous. The leak from the tank was reported to be under control on Sunday. The railway company announced that crews successfully repositioned the propane tanker cars near the tracks for offloading in the following days.
One of the affected individuals, Jamie Jones, a cattle farm owner near Wardner, was evacuated due to the propane leak. She mentioned being alerted by responders and quickly leaving the property with her family. Despite being offered temporary accommodations by the railway, they opted to stay in their vehicle until they were allowed to return on Saturday evening.
While propane itself is odorless, an additive with a distinct smell is usually included to help detect leaks. Jones expressed concern for her cattle’s safety due to the proximity of the ranch to the railway tracks and emphasized the potential risks posed by derailments in the area. The regional district advised residents and travelers on Fenwick Road to remain cautious around railway equipment and vehicles during the ongoing cleanup.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has dispatched two investigators to the site to determine the cause of the derailment.