Two Trains Collide; Derails, Leaks Diesel In Canada’s Capital

Two freight trains collided in Toronto early Sunday, causing cars to derail. One of the train’s engines leaked diesel fuel but crews have contained the leak. (Arlyn Mcadorey) 

Human error is being blamed for a Canadian Pacific Railway derailment in Toronto early Sunday.

 

“Early indications are the incident is a result of human error. It was not a signalling or equipment malfunction,” said Martin Cej, assistant vice-president of public affairs and communications for Calgary-based CP. 

 

“Passenger traffic is not affected in any way.”

 

Toronto Fire Services says a leak of diesel fuel caused by the derailment at about 5:20 a.m. has been contained. More than 300 gallons (about 1,200 litres) leaked but the fuel did not get into storm sewers or waterways and there is no threat to public safety. Fire crews poured absorbent material onto the spill.

 

The derailment occurred after two freight trains collided in the area of Howland Avenue and Dupont Street near Bathurst Street. 

 

Cej said one freight train with two locomotives struck the tail end of the other. He said the leak came from one of the train’s engines after the cars derailed.

 

“There were no injuries and no dangerous goods involved. There are no public safety concerns,” he said.

 

“CP takes this issue extremely seriously. We immediately enacted all of our emergency response processes to deploy teams and assets to the site. Right now, the incident is under investigation.”

 

Toronto Fire spokesperson Capt. Michael Westwood said the last five cars of one of the trains are leaning and officials are concerned about possibility of the cars tipping over. Crews are trying to stabilize them.

 

The derailment did not spark a fire or explosion, he said.

 

Chris Krepski, spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, said preliminary information suggests the locomotives and train, which was carrying shipping containers, sideswiped each other while travelling in opposite directions.

 

A TSB investigator has been sent to the site, Krepski said. “We are assessing the situation.”

 

Const. Victor Kwong, spokesman for the Toronto police, said Bartlett Avenue north of Dupont Street is closed to all traffic but emergency vehicles.

Courtesy of cbc.ca

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