We would like to commend the City, Airdrie Fire Department and others for their prompt, professional and lifesaving reaction to the train derailment just north of Airdrie, Aug. 3.
It is nice to know our lives are in the hands of competent, hard-working professionals.
Within minutes of the call, crews were on the scene assessing the damage, ensuring the safety of those on the train and evacuating three nearby farms, which was no small task with 30 cars from a 100-car train overturned at two separate locations.
The Airdrie Fire Department also had the good sense to ask for assistance from the Crossfield Fire Department, Rocky View Fire Services and Calgary’s Technical Hazards team.
City staff immediately set up Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) at various locations around the city to inform residents of the latest developments.
Mayor Linda Bruce gave everyone involved a much-deserved pat on the back during an afternoon press conference, saying, “It’s phenomenal how everyone can come together very quickly to deal with these sorts of situations.”
Crews will now start the long process of cleaning up the wreck, while continually assessing air quality in the area.
The City and numerous others are literally helping Airdrie residents breathe a little easier despite an unfortunate accident that happened just outside the city. Thank you to everyone involved.
