Cleanup efforts are ongoing east of Cranbrook, B.C., following a train derailment that led to a propane leak and the evacuation of some rural properties along the Kootenay River over the weekend. The repair work on the tracks was finished early Sunday, and the rail corridor has been reopened after safety checks. Crews are still working to clear the derailed cars from the area.
The incident took place in a remote location about 16 kilometers east of Cranbrook, involving approximately 12 cars, including those carrying wood products and three tanker cars loaded with propane. The Regional District of East Kootenay issued an evacuation order for five nearby properties and declared a state of local emergency, which was later lifted as no further risk to the public was identified.
Most of the rail cars involved in the derailment were carrying non-hazardous materials, although lumber from one damaged car fell into the Kootenay River. A propane tank car on land was reported to be leaking, posing a potential danger due to the highly flammable nature of propane gas when released.
The leaking propane tank was successfully contained by Sunday, and efforts are underway to safely relocate the tanker cars for unloading in the following days. One affected resident, Jamie Jones, a cattle farm owner near Wardner, was among those evacuated due to the propane leak. Despite the inconvenience, the family chose to stay in their vehicle and monitor updates until they were given the all-clear to return.
The odorless nature of propane gas was mentioned, with an added compound giving it a distinct smell resembling rotten eggs, aiding in leak detection. Jones, who has resided near the tracks for over two decades, expressed concern for her cattle’s safety, as the proximity to the railway poses risks to grazing animals, especially during winter months.
Residents and travelers in the area are advised to exercise caution around railway equipment and vehicles as the cleanup progresses. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment, with two investigators dispatched to the site for assessment.