“There is no danger to the public,” stated Michelle Hannan, a media relations advisor with CN Rail, following a train derailment in St. Catharines on Monday morning.
The incident involved a CN Railway train that was carrying polyethylene, a polymer commonly used in household plastics. A number of railcars derailed, resulting in a spill from one of them.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported, and the derailment has since been cleared, allowing traffic to resume in the area. However, the derailment left a bridge on the Welland Canal inoperable, causing further disruptions.
As a result of the incident, Lakeshore West GO trains are currently unable to stop at St. Catharines and Niagara Falls GO stations. Shipping traffic has also been affected due to the derailment.
Crews worked diligently to remove the railcars from the Glendale Avenue crossing, which has allowed vehicles to flow again. Hannan added, “CN would like to apologize for the inconveniences caused by this incident.”
The derailment occurred east of Glendale Avenue near Keele Street, and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the environmental impact from the spill. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
