Tracks clear after Wednesday night derailment

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This article was published 23/1/2015 (971 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The tracks are clear and the rail line is back in operation following a Canadian National freight train derailment in downtown Winnipeg Wednesday evening.

Nine cars of a westbound CN freight train derailed at around 5 p.m. Wednesday, in an area behind the Federal Building at the southeast corner of Main Street and William Stephenson Way.

The Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the city’s emergency preparedness co-ordinator all attended the scene. William Stephenson Way and Pioneer Avenue were closed to traffic for a short time, as well.

In a statement, CN said the cars remained upright and there were no leaks. It said the only loaded cars contained sand, and two derailed tank cars were empty.

There were no injuries.

CN said the train originated in Winnipeg and was inspected before departure.

A CN spokesman confirmed the cars have been cleared from the scene. One line was cleared at around midnight Wednesday. The second line was back in service at approximately 5 p.m. Thursday.

The investigation as to why the railcars jumped the tracks is still ongoing, the rail company said. The CN spokesman did not offer any more details on the incident.