UPDATE: Train Derailment - Highway 11 and Wanuskewin Road

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has authorized clean-up operations to begin at the derailment site on Highway 11 North of Saskatoon. 

The rail crossing over the southbound lanes has already been cleared - a secondary locomotive was able to move the unaffected rail cars away from the scene. Crews are now working to ensure the area is safe in order to allow heavy equipment to start moving the derailed cars. 

The initial locomotive that was heavily involved in fire was fully extinguished by 1:00 p.m.

Highway 11 northbound to Warman is closed just past 71st Street; traffic is being detoured to Highway 12 through Martensville and Highway 305 back to Highway 11 for locations north of Warman. Wanuskewin Road northbound is closed just past Penner Road to allow access to Cathedral Bluffs.

Please watch for message boards and obey speed restrictions and safety information. 

--

At approximately 9:26 this morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a train that had derailed at Highway 11 and Wanuskewin Road. 

The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Emergency Measures Organization were immediately dispatched to the scene with multiple units.

Fire Dispatchers determined for responding crews that the train, consisting of 52 rail cars and being operated by CN Rail, was carrying grain at the time of the derailment. Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed one locomotive to have a diesel fuel leak and be heavily involved in fire. In total, 30 rail cars were derailed from the tracks.

A Safety Officer from the Saskatoon Fire Department is on scene monitoring fire crew safety and procedures. There have been no injuries reported as a result of this incident and there is no risk to public safety. 

There is a large presence of emergency and civilian agencies on scene managing the situation. Traffic is being diverted from the area; it is advised that motorists find alternate routes around the derailment site. Updates on the Highway 11 road closure can be accessed through the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline Twitter account.

An update will be provided as more information becomes available.