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British Columbia

Train derails near Hells Gate, B.C.

A Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed Thursday morning. Officials have confirmed Friday morning that the derailment resulted in a fuel spill into the Fraser River.

Fuel spill into Fraser River has been confirmed by officials

Courtney Dickson · CBC ·
Conditions at the Hells Gate, B.C. train derailment were too slippery for crews to assess a possible fuel spill right away. (Kevin Duncan)

A Canadian Pacific Railway train has derailed near Hells Gate, B.C. in the Fraser Canyon as a result of a rock slide early Thursday morning. 

Canadian Pacific Railway spokesperson Jeremy Berry said initial reports say one locomotive and seven empty grain cars were derailed.

NUCOR Environmental Solutions Ltd. has been able to confirm a fuel spill after they found a small hole in the vent line of the locomotive's fuel tank. The B.C. Ministry of Environment said fuel leaked into the Fraser River at a fairly steady flow.

Trains cars on top of the fuel tank made it hard to find evidence of a fuel spill. Crews have confirmed there was a spill into the river below. (B.C. Ministry of Environment)

The hole in the locomotive's fuel tank has been temporarily patched, and crews continue to work to remove the train cars which were on top of the fuel tank. 

Emergency officials said the area is muddy and slippery, and there is a steep drop off where the train derailed.

Canadian Pacific Rail said the crew suffered minor injuries and were treated and released by local paramedics.  

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