CN Railway is currently investigating a derailment involving 13 railcars in St. Catharines, Ontario. The incident was reported by the police on Monday morning, in the vicinity of Glendale Avenue and Keele Street. According to Michelle Hannan, a media relations advisor for CN Railway, there have been no injuries or fires reported. CN crews and local first responders are present at the scene.
The derailment was visible from the Welland Canals Trail, with a white grainy substance spilling out from at least one overturned railcar. Hannan mentioned that the substance was polyethylene, a non-hazardous material commonly used in the production of household plastics, and assured that there is no threat to public safety. The cause of the derailment remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
The incident has affected transportation services in the area, with Niagara police initially reporting a train blocking Glendale Avenue near Keele Street. Subsequently, the road blockage was cleared. Metrolinx announced the suspension of GO train services between Confederation GO in Stoney Creek and Niagara Falls GO due to the freight train issue. This suspension also impacts service to St. Catharines GO, with ongoing service disruption until further notice.
Passengers are advised to utilize route 12 GO bus to Burlington GO for train connections, as bus services are operating on a limited schedule. Nicole Giroux, a spokesperson for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, noted minor delays to vessel traffic due to the derailment. The rail bridge at lock four at the canal was impacted, with one-way vessel traffic expected to resume shortly pending normal operation conditions.