A freight train operated by the North American carrier Canadian Pacific Kansas City derailed Monday morning in southwest Calgary. Of the 13 railcars that derailed, 11 ended up partially in a wetland area. The train was carrying propane and argon, among other substances, but authorities have not detected any leaks, and no injuries have been reported.
The derailment occurred around 7:30 local time on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) line near Sheriff King Street in the southwest part of Calgary, Canada.
According to emergency services, 13 railcars derailed, and 11 of them ended up partially submerged in Priddis Slough, a wetland located between the Silverado and Chaparral neighborhoods.
Footage from the scene shows railcars and boxcars overturned in the water, as well as pieces of wood floating on the surface. Priddis Slough is an important habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Railcars Carrying Propane and Argon
CPKC announced that the train was carrying a mix of cargo, including lumber, plywood, propane, and argon.
Argon is an inert gas used primarily in welding and other industrial processes. Several of the railcars that ended up in the water are tank cars, which is why a team specializing in hazardous materials response was also dispatched to the scene.
However, Calgary authorities and the rail operator stated that there are no indications that the tank cars have ruptured or that propane or argon has leaked.
“We have no indication of gas or liquid leaks. There is no imminent danger to the public,” said Alex Kwan, a spokesperson for the Calgary Fire Department.
The train crew was not injured, and no other casualties were reported.
Difficult Access for Response Teams
The recovery operation is complicated by the location of the railcars in a wet area and the limited space available for heavy equipment.
Some of the lumber and construction materials being transported ended up in the water, but authorities say they do not pose an immediate danger to the public.
CPKC has dispatched additional crews to lift the railcars, recover the cargo, and restore the track. Freight train service on this section will remain disrupted until the tracks are cleared and the infrastructure is repaired.
Police have asked people to avoid the area, and Sheriff King Street has been closed near the accident site to allow access for emergency response teams.
Investigation into the Cause of the Derailment
Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), Canada’s transportation accident investigation agency, has sent a team to Calgary to gather information and analyze the circumstances of the derailment.
Investigators will examine the condition of the tracks, the railcars, the train’s operation, and the data available on board. The agency’s role is to determine the causes and make safety recommendations, not to assign civil or criminal liability.
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