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 November 1 at 7 p.m., as reported by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). CPKC mentioned that 17 rail cars, both loaded and empty, were involved in the derailment. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident.
Michael Grenier, Electoral Area J director for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, expressed relief that no one was harmed and highlighted the importance of water safety, especially for those who rely on Kamloops Lake for their domestic water supply. While the Savona Community Water System is currently not at risk, private water system providers are collaborating with Interior Health to evaluate any potential impacts.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. CPKC stated that four of the derailed cars were carrying fuel, with two leaking fuel into the surrounding area. Additionally, five cars were loaded with gypsum, a drywall component, and one contained pulp products. The remaining seven cars were empty, with three previously carrying gasoline.
Grenier, who resides near the spill site, observed the cleanup efforts taking place on both land and water. A containment device known as a boom has been deployed on the lake to manage the spill. CPKC crews, along with an environmental team, are currently on-site assessing the situation and initiating cleanup operations, as confirmed by the Ministry of Environment and Parks. The environmental emergency branch of the provincial government has also been mobilized to address the spill.