Cleanup operations are in progress following a train derailment near Kamloops, B.C., which resulted in a fuel spill. The incident occurred approximately 20 kilometers west of the city on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m., as reported by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). CPKC stated that a total of 17 rail cars, both loaded and empty, derailed during the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Michael Grenier, Electoral Area J director for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, expressed initial concerns for the safety of residents and individuals involved in the derailment. After confirming no injuries, officials shifted their attention to safeguarding the water source, particularly Kamloops Lake, which supplies domestic water to some residents.
Although the Savona Community Water System currently faces no risk due to the derailment, private water system providers are collaborating with Interior Health to evaluate any potential consequences. The cause of the derailment is under investigation. CPKC disclosed that four of the derailed cars were carrying fuel, with two experiencing fuel leaks into the vicinity. Additionally, five rail cars contained gypsum, a drywall component, while one was loaded with pulp products. The rest of the rail cars, including three previously carrying gasoline, were empty.
Grenier, who has a view of the spill site from his home, observed the ongoing cleanup activities on both the land and the lake. A boom containment device has been deployed on the lake to manage the spill. CPKC crews, alongside an environmental team, are currently present on-site for assessment and cleanup operations, as stated by the Ministry of Environment and Parks. The provincial government’s environmental emergency branch has also been mobilized to address the spill.