Federal authorities are currently examining whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated regulations after a crew had to evacuate from a train that was surrounded by flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun mentioned that the government is conducting further oversight to assess if CN adhered to the rules outlined in the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun also stated that Transport Canada is prepared to enforce operational restrictions or protective measures if deemed necessary.
Additionally, the department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to investigate potential health and safety infractions. A widely shared video of the incident depicted the train near Armstrong, Ont., engulfed in orange-red flames while trees burned along the tracks. In the video, a worker urgently contacted radio operators, stating, “Y’all need to hurry up here. Like, seriously, we’re encased in flames now.”
Following the incident, the trade union, representing over 10,000 railworkers, reported that the crew escaped on foot and received treatment for smoke inhalation. The union urged CN to cease operations in active wildfire areas, emphasizing that the event should not have occurred. Teamsters Canada president Paul Boucher commended the crew’s bravery and professionalism, condemning CN for sending the train into the hazardous region.
CN has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed that the crew was safely evacuated from the area, more than 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday. The Montreal-based company announced the suspension of rail operations in a section of northwestern Ontario to prioritize the safety of employees, the community, and emergency responders.
While Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. reported no direct impact on its operations from the wildfires in Ontario or Western Canada, CN’s suspension affected freight traffic along a crucial mainline track for cross-country hauls. Premier Doug Ford stated that approximately 190 wildfires are currently active in northern Ontario, leading to multiple community evacuations and surpassing last year’s total land burned. Some First Nations leaders criticized the government’s response and support, particularly regarding the evacuation of Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, without provincial assistance.