“There is no danger to the public,” stated Michelle Hannan, a media relations advisor with CN Rail, following a train derailment in St. Catharines on Monday morning. The incident, which involved a CN Railway train carrying polyethylene—a polymer commonly used in household plastics—has raised concerns but thankfully resulted in no injuries.
The derailment occurred east of Glendale Avenue near Keele Street, where several railcars went off the tracks, leading to a spill from one of them. Fortunately, authorities quickly assessed the situation, confirming that the public’s safety was not at risk.
Traffic in the area was initially blocked due to the derailment, but crews worked diligently to clear the scene, allowing vehicles to flow again later in the morning. However, the incident has left a bridge on the Welland Canal inoperable, causing further disruptions.
As a result of the derailment, Lakeshore West GO trains are currently unable to stop at St. Catharines and Niagara Falls GO stations, impacting local commuters. Michelle Hannan extended an apology on behalf of CN Rail, stating, “CN would like to apologize for the inconveniences caused by this incident.”
Shipping traffic has also faced disruptions due to the derailment, highlighting the broader impact on the community and local economy. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, and details remain unconfirmed.
Local authorities, including the Niagara Regional Police and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution in the affected areas.
