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Derailment near Hope to impact train traffic in Kent for a few days

Crews are working to clean up, repair after derailment in Hope
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Crews are working to clean up a CN Rail derailment near Hope involving 20 rail cars carrying potash. (Emelie Peacock/Hope Standard)

Monday’s train derailment is expected to have some impact in the District of Kent.

During the Monday (September 14) meeting of the District of Kent Council, Mayor Sylvia Pranger warned the public that the CP Rail train tracks in the district would see heavier traffic while the railway in Hope is under repair. She cautioned the public to remain vigilant as “it’s going to be much, much busier on the track.”

Mayor Pranger said it’s estimated track repairs would take about 48 hours to complete. It’s unclear as of publication how long clean up efforts may take or its exact impact on the nearby waterways and wildlife.

At least 20 CN Rail cars containing potash were involved in a derailment on Monday morning west of Hope near Highway 1. CN confirmed to Black Press Media that there were no injuries, fires or dangerous goods said to be involved. As rail cars were being removed, at least one lane of Highway 1 was closed near the crash site, creating possible delays, according to Drive BC.

Potash, a staple resource of Canada, is a mix of minerals and chemicals containing potassium, used primarily in fertilizer production.

– With files from Emelie Peacock and Patrick Penner

More to come.


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About the Author: Adam Louis

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