Home / Disasters and Accidents / B.C. Mudslide Derails CN Train, Sparks Indigenous Waterway Fears
B.C. Mudslide Derails CN Train, Sparks Indigenous Waterway Fears
18 Mar
Summary
- A CN train derailed into the Skeena River due to a mudslide, spilling cars.
- CN assures no dangerous goods were spilled, posing no public danger.
- Gitxsan Nation hereditary chiefs demand a halt to train traffic over weather risks.
A mudslide prompted the derailment of a Canadian National (CN) train along the Skeena River in northwest British Columbia. Images from the scene showed multiple rail cars submerged in the water. CN Rail confirmed that twenty-seven empty grain hopper cars and one locomotive derailed.
The company has stated that the incident did not involve dangerous goods and consequently poses no danger to the public. Despite these assurances, hereditary chiefs representing the Gitxsan Nation are demanding an immediate halt to all train operations within their traditional territory.
Gitxsan leaders expressed significant concerns that extreme weather conditions are elevating the risk of contamination to local waterways, which are critical for salmon, oolichan fish, and other culturally significant food sources. They are calling for a guarantee of safety from government officials before rail traffic can resume.
The Transportation Safety Board acknowledged the derailment and was gathering information. The Gitxsan Huwlip Government is seeking greater control over what is transported through their lands, emphasizing the importance of these waterways for traditional food supplies.
