Quick action by a CN Rail crew prevented a what could have been a dangerous situation on Tuesday morning, December 8 when a diesel engine caught fire.
The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. on the CN line at Range Road 3070 between Langham and Dalmeny. One of two diesel engines pulling tanker cars loaded with dangerous goods experienced mechanical problems and overheated, sparking a fire.
The CN train crew members were able to separate both engines from the tanker cars and extinguish the flames, which were shooting six to eight feet into the air.
Dalmeny Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the scene. Langham Fire Rescue was initially called for backup, but were not required.
By the time Dalmeny firefighters arrived, there was no trace of smoke or fire. The engine itself was also cooled down.
There were no injuries.
RCMP, Dalmeny Police, CN Police and Corman Park Police responded to the scene. Highway 305 between Dalmeny and Langham, as well as all secondary roads connecting to the highway, were blocked by police to prevent traffic from getting too close to the area.
Dalmeny Fire and Rescue Lieutenant Joanne Elder had high praise for the CN crew.
“They did everything they were supposed to do according to the railway’s safety procedures,” she said. “It was very fortunate the fire was contained quickly and not allowed to spread.”
She noted the railway is very “safety conscious” and train crews are well-trained. In addition, on all freights pulling dangerous goods, one car loaded with sand is positioned between the tanker cars and the engine to act as a buffer in case the engine experiences a problem.
The highway was completely reopened to traffic shortly after 9:00 a.m., and Dalmeny fire crews left the scene at about 9:30 a.m.
CN is investigating the cause of the mechanical problem in the engine. The disabled engine was removed and the rail line reopened.