Home / Disasters and Accidents / Repentigny Train Derailment: Investigation Underway
Repentigny Train Derailment: Investigation Underway
6 Jul
Summary
- A Canadian National Railway train derailed in Repentigny on July 5.
- The derailment involved 45 railcars but no hazardous materials.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the Sunday afternoon incident.
An investigation is underway following the derailment of a Canadian National Railway (CN) train on Sunday, July 5, in Repentigny, Quebec. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has begun gathering information to assess the occurrence, as the cause remains undetermined. Police reported the incident around 4:30 p.m. that day.
Approximately 45 railcars derailed, with some estimates ranging between 20 and 30. Fortunately, CN confirmed that no hazardous materials were aboard the train, and three railcars that had previously contained diesel fuel were empty at the time. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though minor property damage, including torn fences, occurred.
The derailment led to a precautionary power outage by Hydro-Québec, affecting over 2,600 clients. Power has since been restored, and evacuated residents have returned home. Mayor Nicolas Dufour expressed relief that no citizens were harmed and no dangerous substances were involved. CN crews have commenced cleanup operations, which are expected to take several days.
This incident occurred just one day before the 13th anniversary of the tragic 2013 Lac-Mégantic rail disaster, where 47 people died after a crude oil train derailed.
