Boston Bar rockslide derails 12 grain cars off track

A rock slide in the Fraser Canyon north of Boston Bar has placed train traffic on hold after causing a train to derail Sunday evening.

Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) says the derailment involved a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train and about 12 grain cars were impacted.

“The derailment … was the result of a rockslide and there are no injuries, fires, or dangerous goods reported,” CN said in a statement.

“Crews worked through the night to safely clear the derailment area, including descaling remaining rocks and debris from the rockslide. Work is underway to restore the track for train traffic later this afternoon,” the railway service added.

CN says efforts to clean up the rail cars and grain will continue over the coming days and weeks.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness says that one railcar floated down the Fraser River, but came to rest on the river bank, approximately 2 kilometres away.

“Two additional cars are in the river at the derailment site,” the Ministry stated. “All rail cars are reported to be stable. Response crews have been deployed and are on scene working to further secure the cars.”