CP Rail launches investigation into two runaway cars in Edmonton
CBC News | Posted: October 15, 2014 11:16 PM | Last Updated: October 15, 2014
CP Rail says two of its train cars rolled for nearly 13 kilometres through the city last month, which the company says may have happened after someone tampered with the brakes.
The freight cars were being held on a siding track south of Edmonton when they started rolling north at around 11 p.m. on September 28.
The cars came to a stop by themselves near 86th street.
“This is an investigation that is ongoing, and we are certainly taking the matter very seriously here at CP,” said spokeswoman Breanne Feigel.
One car was empty, the other was loaded with an oil-based polymer that Feigel described as “non-dangerous.” The cars crossed several intersections in the city, triggering crossing lights and gates as they did.
She said the company has determined the cars’ brakes were properly engaged and tested by rail workers. The company believes that “human intervention” caused the cars to begin rolling.
She said CP is working with government agencies in a criminal investigation of the incident.
In the meantime, Feigel said they have installed a device on the track to prevent more cars from rolling away.
There were 32 runaway train cars reported in the city between 2000-2013, 17 of which stopped by themselves.