Freight Train Derailment Near Kamloops Sparks Major Alert
03.11.2025
A derailed freight train west of Kamloops released fuel oil and gypsum cargo near Cherry Creek.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Freight Train Derailment Triggers Environmental Concerns
A train operated by Canadian Pacific Kansas City derailed around 20 kilometers west of Kamloops on Saturday night, leaving a total of 17 cars derailed. Four of the derailed cars were carrying fuel, five held gypsum, and one had pulp products.
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Some of the fuel had leaked into the soil and water around the area, making emergency response personnel set up containment booms. This ensured that the fuel did not move towards Kamloops Lake.
Michael Grenier, of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, was at the scene on Sunday. He observed that one car full of jet fuel stood near the edge of the lake, in addition to another carrying gypsum that stood on the shore. It had not posed a significant risk to the Savona Community Water System.
Freight Train Derailment Spurs Coordinated Recovery Effort
“The Ministry of Environment has confirmed that fuel as well as gypsum has been released into the environment, but cleanup operations progressed immediately,” stated a report.
CPKC immediately offered assurances that they will remove the entire contaminated portion of the land and restore it under the supervision of the province.
Authorities in Interior Health as well as the water authorities in the region continue to test the systems in the vicinity. Contamination has not been found yet, and private water service companies are collaborating with the authorities to ensure that the systems are safe.
CPKC stressed that safety is, as always, its highest priority in this respect since such incidents require urgent communication as well as swift environmental response. CPKC stated that the railway will not be reopened until it is safe to do so.
This highlights the difficulties involved in maintaining freight corridors in remote western Canada. Swift collaboration between train operating companies, authorities, and local residents was necessary in managing the effects of this spill.
Source: vancouversun.com
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What caused the freight train derailment near Kamloops?
Investigators have not yet identified a cause, but CPKC and federal transport authorities are reviewing track conditions and maintenance records.
How serious was the environmental impact of the freight train derailment?
Fuel and gypsum spilled near Kamloops Lake, but containment booms and rapid response teams prevented major contamination.
Who is responsible for the cleanup after the derailment?
CPKC leads the cleanup with oversight from the Ministry of Environment and Interior Health. Updates appear on official government bulletins
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