Federal authorities are currently examining whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated regulations after a crew had to be evacuated from a train engulfed in flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun stated that the government is conducting additional oversight to determine if CN failed to adhere to rules under the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun emphasized that Transport Canada is prepared to implement operational restrictions or protective measures if deemed necessary. The department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to assess potential health and safety violations.
A widely circulated video of the incident captured the train surrounded by orange-red flames near Armstrong, Ont., with trees ablaze on both sides of the tracks. An urgent message from a worker to radio operators, “Y’all need to hurry up here. Like, seriously, we’re encased in flames now,” highlighted the severity of the situation. The crew, represented by a trade union with over 10,000 members, had to escape on foot to safety and received treatment for smoke inhalation. The union urged CN to cease operations in active wildfire areas.
Teamsters Canada president Paul Boucher expressed strong disapproval of the incident, stating that CN should not have dispatched a train along those lines. Despite commendations for the crew’s bravery and professionalism, the president emphasized that the event was avoidable. CN has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, confirming that the crew was safely evacuated from the area, located over 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday.
In response to the incident, CN suspended rail operations in a section of northwestern Ontario, leading to the cessation of all freight traffic along a critical mainline track for cross-country transportation. The company emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the safety of its employees, the community, and emergency responders. On the other hand, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. noted that its operations remain unaffected by wildfires in Ontario and Western Canada, with trains operating normally in those regions.
Premier Doug Ford reported that approximately 190 wildfires are currently active in northern Ontario, resulting in ten community evacuations and surpassing the total land burnt during the previous year’s fire season. Some First Nations leaders criticized the government’s response and communication, particularly highlighting the evacuation of Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins First Nation) without provincial assistance.