A dramatic scene unfolded in London, Ontario, on Sunday night as a Canadian Pacific (CPKC) train, carrying five railcars filled with used wooden railway ties, burst into flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Platoon Chief Colin Shewall provided insight into the situation, revealing that the locomotives had recently passed emissions tests. He commended the train crew for their quick action in disconnecting the burning railcars, some of which contained potentially hazardous materials, thus preventing a more severe catastrophe.
Despite the immediate danger being contained, residents in the vicinity, particularly those south of Oxford Street between Richmond and Waterloo streets, were advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut due to heavy smoke.
The London Fire Department received multiple 911 calls around 10:49 p.m. from residents in the west end of the city. The train continued its journey eastbound towards downtown before finally coming to a halt at Waterloo and Pall Mall streets.
"At the height of the incident, we had about 28 firefighters and 10 apparatus on scene," Shewall remarked. The primary focus of the emergency response teams was to protect nearby structures, notably the Drewlo Holdings building, from potential smoke and fire damage. Approximately 250 litres of foam were utilized to extinguish the flames.
By 12:30 a.m. Monday, the situation had been sufficiently contained, and residents were informed that it was safe to resume normal activities as the smoke had cleared from the area.
Firefighters began clearing the scene shortly after 1 a.m., while CP crews relocated the damaged train cars to a nearby railway yard situated between Adelaide and Quebec streets.
Eight firefighters and two apparatus were dispatched to the yard to address any remaining hot spots, employing a "T-Rex Aerial Truck" for the task. Operations concluded around 4:30 a.m.
Damage estimates include $25,000 for maintenance due to heat stress on the railcars and an additional $10,000 to the Drewlo Holding building.
While investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, Shewall expressed concerns about the incident's suspicious nature until proven otherwise. A spokesperson for CPKC confirmed that the incident "remains under investigation" and extended gratitude to London's first responders for their swift and effective response.
Shewall also praised the coordinated efforts between city hall and CP rail crews, emphasizing the importance of unified command in managing such emergencies. He commended the conductor and engineer for providing crucial information that aided the response efforts, highlighting the collective commitment to ensuring public safety and bringing the situation under control.
