Freight train derails, blocks traffic on busy Winnipeg street

A freight train has derailed near Empress Street in Winnipeg's West End.

The train, hauling boxcars and oil tankers, remains upright, but a section of the track has heaved and forced some wheels to lift off the rails.

The derailment happened along a track that runs parallel to Empress, just behind industrial businesses. The stopped train is blocking Sargent Avenue.

A spokesperson with BNSF Railway said in an email that four of its rail cars derailed upright and did not tip over. Two are empty tank cars and two are boxcars loaded with lumber products.

"We're working to clear the crossing to reduce impact to motor vehicles in the area. There were no injuries in the incident," the spokesperson said.

There is no word on how long it will take to repair and move the train.