CN Railway is currently investigating a derailment involving 13 railcars in St. Catharines, Ontario. The incident was reported by local authorities on Monday morning in the vicinity of Glendale Avenue and Keele Street. According to CN Railway’s media relations advisor, Michelle Hannan, there have been no injuries or fires reported. Emergency response teams from CN Railway and local agencies are on-site.
The derailment was visible from the Welland Canals Trail, with a white granular substance spilling out from at least one overturned railcar. Hannan clarified that the substance was polyethylene, a non-hazardous material used in the production of household plastics, posing no threat to public safety. The cause of the derailment remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
The incident has impacted transportation services in the area, with Niagara police initially reporting a train blocking Glendale Avenue near Keele Street, which was later resolved. Metrolinx announced the suspension of GO train services between Confederation GO in Stoney Creek and Niagara Falls GO due to the freight train issue, affecting service to St. Catharines GO as well. Train services between the mentioned stations remain suspended until further notice, with alternative routes available via the route 12 GO bus to Burlington GO.
Nicole Giroux, spokesperson for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, noted limited delays to vessel traffic as a consequence of the derailment, particularly affecting the rail bridge at lock four of the canal. She assured that one-way vessel traffic is expected to resume shortly, with ongoing monitoring for a return to normal operations as conditions permit.