Federal authorities are investigating potential legal violations by Canadian National Railway Co. following the evacuation of a crew from a train engulfed in flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun stated that the government is examining whether CN breached regulations outlined in the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun emphasized that Transport Canada is prepared to impose operational restrictions or protective measures as needed. Additionally, the department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to assess any health and safety infractions related to the incident.
A widely circulated video on social media captured the intense scene near Armstrong, Ont., where a train was surrounded by orange-red flames as trees burned alongside the tracks earlier in the week. In the video, a worker urgently communicates the perilous situation to radio operators, highlighting the severity of the circumstances.
Following the incident, the trade union representing over 10,000 railworkers reported that the crew had to flee on foot to safety and were treated for smoke inhalation. The union urged CN to cease operations in active wildfire zones, emphasizing that the incident was preventable. Teamsters Canada president Paul Boucher praised the crew for their bravery and professionalism while condemning CN for sending the train into the hazardous area.
CN has launched an investigation into the events surrounding the incident, noting that the crew was safely evacuated from the location, situated more than 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday. The Montreal-based company subsequently suspended rail operations in a section of northwestern Ontario, affecting freight traffic along a vital mainline track for cross-country shipments.
CN emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety of its employees, the community, and emergency responders. In contrast, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. confirmed that its operations in Ontario and Western Canada remain unaffected by the wildfires, with trains operating normally in those regions.
Ontario continues to grapple with approximately 190 wildfires in its northern region, leading to multiple community evacuations and surpassing the total land area burned during last year’s fire season. Premier Doug Ford acknowledged criticisms from some First Nations leaders regarding the government’s response and communication, particularly in cases like Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, which was evacuated without provincial assistance.
