CN Rail Skeena River derailment sparks Gitxsan rail halt call

CN Rail Skeena River derailment cleanup is underway in northwest British Columbia. Also, the company said a mudslide derailed one of its trains beside the Skeena River on Monday.

Meanwhile, as CBC News reported, images from the scene show several cars in the water. Still, the company said the derailment did not involve dangerous goods. It also said the derailment poses no danger to the public.

CN Rail Skeena River derailment and cleanup work

At the same time, hereditary chiefs with the Gitxsan Nation are calling for all rail traffic through their territory to be suspended. They said extreme weather is creating greater risks for local waterways.

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“Every river is in danger of some kind of contamination,” said Simogyet Moolakan (Norman Moore) of the Gitxsan Huwilp Government. He said the area is vital to salmon, the oolichan fish and other culturally important food supplies.

In addition, as previously covered by Railway Supply, CN said the train was hauling empty grain hopper rail cars. The derailment happened near Port Edward, south of Prince Rupert. It came as the region was hit by heavy snow and rain caused by an atmospheric river.

“[Twenty-seven] empty grain hopper rail cars and one locomotive are currently being reported as derailed in various positions,” a CN Rail spokesperson said in an email. “There are no dangerous goods, fires, or injuries, nor is there any threat to the public as a result of this derailment.”

Gitxsan Nation seeks rail traffic suspension

Separately, on Monday night, the federal Transportation Safety Board told CBC News it was aware of the derailment and was collecting information. It had not deployed investigators to the scene. No update was provided Tuesday.

For example, the Gitxsan Huwlip Government said in a release that it wants all rail traffic suspended until government officials can guarantee it is safe.

Meanwhile, Simogyet Moolakan said he does not want to see a permanent stop to all trains in the area. He said Gitxsan leaders should have more control over what is transported around waterways that are vital to traditional food supplies.

“We weren’t consulted when this land was given away to the railroads,” he said. “They’re giving away our resources, and all of this for money.”

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