Image credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today

By Aaron Schulze

Barriere Derailment

CN crews continue cleanup of train derailment near Barriere; no leaks, fires, or injuries reported

Mar 13, 2025 | 9:59 AM

UPDATE (10:15 a.m.): CN Rail confirmed to CFJC Today in an emailed statement that a five-car derailment took place at around 5:40 p.m. Wednesday.

“Train movements are expected to resume this afternoon, local time,” CN Rail states. “CN crews will remain on site as cleanup activities are ongoing. There were no leaks, fires, or injuries reported. CN would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused by this event and thanks local first responders for their assistance.”

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

In a statement to CFJC Today, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says the five cars that derailed near Highway 5 and Russell Street were carrying auto parts and wood chips.

“None of the cars ended up in the water,” the statement said. “There have been no impacts to the waterway and CN Rail is managing the cleanup.”

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“We are aware of the incident and our environmental emergency response officers are monitoring the situation.”

EARLIER: BARRIERE, B.C. — CN Rail crews can be seen cleaning up the remains of a train derailment south of Barriere Thursday (March 13) morning.

Photos sent to CFJC Today shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday show four boxcars off the track.

“I can say CN acted fast yesterday and contacted the district shortly after the accident,” Barriere Mayor Rob Kerslake told CFJC Today. “The Barriere [fire department] attended the scene then stood down when they determined there was no [hazardous material] situation. We haven’t received any other details this morning yet.”

Image credit: Allen Brown/Contributed

Image credit: Allen Brown/Contributed

Image credit: Allen Brown/Contributed

A witness also told CFJC Today she and her horses were in a meadow beside the rail lines when the derailment took place. She said she and the horses were uninjured.

CFJC Today has contacted CN Rail for further comment.

with files from Dylana Kneeshaw and Victor Kaisar/CFJC Today