Federal authorities are currently investigating whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated laws when 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 follow-up oversight to determine if CN failed to comply with regulations under the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun added that Transport Canada is prepared to enforce operational restrictions or protective measures as needed.
The department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to assess potential health and safety violations related to the incident. A widely shared video captured the intense situation near Armstrong, Ont., showing flames approaching the train amidst burning trees on both sides of the tracks.
In the video, a worker can be heard urgently requesting assistance as the crew faced being surrounded by flames. The trade union representing over 10,000 railworkers reported that the crew had to flee on foot for safety and received treatment for smoke inhalation. The union urged CN to cease operations in active wildfire zones, emphasizing that the incident should have been prevented.
CN is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event and confirmed that the crew was safely evacuated from the area, located over 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday. The Montreal-based company took action by suspending rail operations in part of northwestern Ontario, impacting freight traffic along a critical mainline track for cross-country shipments.
While CN prioritizes safety, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. mentioned that its operations are unaffected by wildfires in Ontario and Western Canada, with trains operating normally in those areas. Premier Doug Ford highlighted the severity of the ongoing wildfires in northern Ontario, leading to multiple community evacuations and surpassing last year’s total land burnt.
Criticism has emerged from some First Nations leaders regarding the government’s response and communication, particularly concerning the evacuation of Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins First Nation) without provincial assistance.