Federal authorities are currently investigating whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated regulations when a crew had to evacuate a train engulfed in flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun stated that the government is conducting additional oversight to assess if CN adhered to the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun mentioned that Transport Canada is prepared to enforce operational restrictions or protective measures as needed. The department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to assess potential health and safety breaches.
A widely shared video depicted a CN train near Armstrong, Ont., surrounded by flames, with trees ablaze on both sides of the tracks. The footage captured a worker urgently informing radio operators about the perilous situation. The trade union representing over 10,000 railworkers reported that the crew had to flee on foot and receive treatment for smoke inhalation. They urged CN to cease operations in active wildfire zones, emphasizing that the incident was preventable. Teamsters Canada president Paul Boucher commended the crew’s bravery while criticizing CN for allowing the train to travel through the affected area.
CN confirmed that an investigation is ongoing regarding the incident. They noted that the crew was safely evacuated from the location, situated over 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday. The Montreal-based company temporarily suspended rail operations in a section of northwestern Ontario to ensure the safety of employees, communities, and emergency responders.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. stated that their operations in Ontario and Western Canada remain unaffected by the wildfires, continuing normal train services in those regions. Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford highlighted the severity of the situation, with approximately 190 wildfires burning across northern Ontario, leading to multiple community evacuations and surpassing last year’s total land consumed by fires. Some First Nations leaders criticized the government’s response and communication, particularly relating to the evacuation of Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, without provincial assistance.