Cleanup continuing after CPKC train derails near Boston Bar Sunday

BOSTON BAR B.C. — Canadian National (CN) Rail says crews worked through the night to clear the debris after about a dozen rail cars carrying grain derailed near Boston Bar Sunday (Dec. 22) morning.

In a statement to CFJC Today, a CN Rail spokesperson said work to clear the track is currently underway so trains can resume moving, with that work expected to be done by this afternoon.

“Crews worked through the night to safely clear derailment area, including descaling remaining rocks and debris from the rockslide,” the statement said. “No injuries, fires, or dangerous goods were reported.”

“Clean up of the derailed rail cars and grain will continue over the coming days and weeks.”

CN Rain said the derailment involved a CPKC [Canadian Pacific Kansas City] train that was travelling on its tracks through the Fraser Canyon. It also said the derailment was caused by a rockslide.

In spill incident report, the B.C. Government confirmed there were no indications of any leaks from the rail cars or that any dangerous goods were spilled following the incident. It did however say some of the rail cars went down the embankment and into the Fraser River.

“One rail car floated down the river approximately two kilometers, but came to rest on the river bank,” the Dec. 22 update said. “Two additional cars are in the river at the derailment site.”

“All rail cars are reported to be stable. Response crews have been deployed and are on scene working to further secure the cars.”

A rail car in the Fraser River after the derailment near Boston Bar on Dec. 22. (Image Credit: Lindsay Peterson/YouTube)