CBC News / Tuesday, December 8, 2009

More than a dozen cars have jumped the tracks in the town of Taber, southeast of Calgary. Fourteen hopper cars of a Canadian Pacific Rail freight train overturned at about 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Miraculously, no one was hurt in the derailment and nothing hazardous or toxic leaked. An evacuation wasn't necessary, but traffic in the town of Taber will likely be disrupted for the rest of the day, said Brad Mason, head of emergency services. "We would have been prepared to conduct evacuations and rescues as required, but thankfully we didn't need to," he said. "Certainly our risk analysis indicates that is one of the most likely events." Canadian Pacific crews are in the process of cleaning up.



COMMENTS:

--

"As a former railway employee, I can tell you that in extreme cold, derailments are more likely to occur. As the temperature drops below –10, –20, and –30, the rails almost become brittle, and are more likely to split. Winter plans at railways are put in place (sperry sensor cars, lower speeds, etc) but at those temperatures, even the best track maintenance can't prevent all accidental derailments"

--

Factor in the track speed limits which in most cases are reduced in colder weather in some cases to a 40MPH on track conditions in different areas of the country. The guys working out on the track in the winter time deserve a medal; for being called out at all times of the day and night. From about the middle of October to late April which is known as the "Railway man's winter," one can expect extra work whether it be track repairs; detouring trains, plow crews, signal repairs etc. It was common to meet yourself at times coming and going between assignments.