Field residents without cellphone and landline service for three days after train derailment

The Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the Feb. 17 train derailment west of Field in Yoho National Park when 14 cars left the tracks, including four with dangerous goods.

Investigators say the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train was travelling westward when 14 loaded intermodal flat cars transporting containers derailed near Ottertail, about 13 kilometres west of Field.

“Four unknown containers of dangerous goods were involved. There were no reports of fires, leaks, or injuries,” said TSB spokesperson Liam MacDonald in an email.

“We are currently in the field phase of the investigation process where we are assessing whether we will launch a full investigation into the occurrence.”

The incident severed data, text, mobile, landline, and internet service to areas east of the derailment site including the community of Field, B.C. TELUS service technicians restored service on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

“Until mobile coverage was restored, Parks Canada advised Field residents to proceed to the Fire Hall in case of emergency,” said Amy Krause, Parks Canada’s spokesperson for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit.

“Field Fire Department volunteers and BC Ambulance staff were on call and EMS service calls were patched through to Banff.”

Krause said there were no spills or significant environmental concerns and no wildlife attractants at the derailment site.

“Parks Canada will support CPKC Rail as they respond,” she said.

According to TBS’s preliminary public report, as a result of the derailment of the 56-car train, one top container on an intermodal flat hit four top containers on another stationary train on the main track. There was no reported derailment of that stationary train.

CPCK was not immediately available for comment, but the Outlook will update the story.