Montreal

Restrictions lifted in Longueuil, Que., after train derailment

The city said this morning that all restrictions have been lifted, including for residents around the site of the derailment and along Highway 116.

At least one of the train cars contained hydrogen peroxide, prompting health concerns

rail cars off tracks, fire truck
Emergency crews attend to a train derailment in Longueuil, Que., on Thursday morning. (Vianney Leudière/Radio-Canada)

A security perimeter put in place in Longueuil, Que., following a train derailment has been completely lifted after concerns of a chemical spill.

The City of Longueuil announced early this morning that restrictions have been lifted, including for residents around the site of the derailment and along Highway 116.

"Residents of the affected area no longer need to stay indoors and can now move around safely outside," the city said in a statement on its website.

Eight train cars went off the rails shortly before 9 a.m. at a Canadian National (CN) rail yard near the corner of St-Georges and St-Louis streets, in the LeMoyne neighbourhood.

Three CN workers were taken to hospital as a preventive measure.

Officials with CN and the City of Longueuil said at least one of the train cars contained hydrogen peroxide, a potentially harmful chemical that is used in a variety of industrial processes, but also in household goods.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Cleanup operations will continue Friday.

At low concentrations, hydrogen peroxide may cause eye irritation. Exposure to industrial strength concentrations can cause severe irritation or burns to the skin and respiratory tract, according to Health Canada.

WATCH | Freight train derails on Montreal's South Shore:

Freight train derails on Montreal’s South Shore causing concerns about chemical spill

13 days ago
Duration 0:48
The City of Longueuil, Que., said the chemical was hydrogen peroxide. It’s also advising people living within 800 metres of the derailment to stay inside.

With files from Presse Canadienne