A recently released report from the Agassiz Fire Department provided more details surrounding the March 1 VIA Rail incident that caused a major fuel spill at Seabird Island.
Agassiz firefighters estimated that approximately 3,500 litres of diesel fuel spilled near the Lophet Road area after a passenger train struck debris on the tracks, rupturing the fuel tank. The debris turned out to be steel plates stacked on the tracks ahead of the train.
There were 138 people on board, none of whom were hurt. The AFD worked with the RCMP, CP Rail Police, B.C. Emergency Health Service, the Seabird Island Fire Department and Seabird Island leaders to contain the spill, advise on environmental impacts and get the passengers on their way.
RELATED: Water advisory lifted 24 days after diesel spill impacted Seabird Island
The water supply to 14 homes could’ve been affected by the spill. However, multiple tests showed the water was safe, and a water advisory was lifted after 24 days.
Several agencies worked with Seabird Island authorities to bring water to the affected homes, clean up the spill and watch for potential environmental impacts.
Monitoring of the wells near the train tracks will continue indefinitely.
Firefighters classified the incident as “a near miss that had all the potential to be a full-scale mass casualty.”
“Both engineers on board the trail were clearly shaken by the incident and made it clear that the incident had all the potential of sending the train off the tracks.”
The RCMP has involved their serious crimes unit to assist in investigating the incident.