Train derailment in downtown Winnipeg, no injuries or leaks

A train derailment tied up traffic in downtown Winnipeg during the Wednesday afternoon rush hour, but nothing leaked and no one was injured, according to CN Rail.

CN confirmed that nine cars from a westbound train derailed on the railway’s main line at about 4:40 p.m. CT.

The cars remained upright and did not leak. A CN spokesperson said the only loaded cars contained sand, while the two derailed tank cars were empty. No one was injured.

At 5:12 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the City’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator arrived on scene to evaluate the situation. William Stephenson Way and Pioneer Avenue were temporarily closed.

CN initiated its incident response plan and brought crews were on scene Wednesday evening to restore service to the line. The City of Winnipeg expected the cars to be back on the rails by 9 or 10 p.m.

Brent Kossey, CN Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations, said the westbound train originated in Winnipeg and was inspected before departure.

Agencies/Canadajournal