The last two tanker cars containing a hazardous chemical were to be unloaded on Wednesday as cleanup work neared completion at the site of train derailment just north of Innisfail.
It was expected that Hwy 2A, which runs parallel to the rail line at the accident site, would be reopened late Wednesday.
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. spokesman Kevin Hrysak said the operation involved no risk to any residents living in the rural area near the accident scene.
Sixteen cars left the tracks — five of them containing anhydrous ammonia — when the train derailed a couple of kilometres north of Innisfail, directly in front of the Niobe grain elevator. None of the tanker cars were leaking.
Parts of the train that stayed on the tracks were hooked up and hauled away on Tuesday afternoon.
The accident happened about 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday and forced the closure of Hwy 2A, which is only a few metres away from the rail line at the accident site.
No residents were evacuated and those living nearby were able to get back to their homes.
The cleanup operation was extensive. Besides CPR crews and mechanical staff, contractors, regulators, RCMP and representatives from various other agencies were involved. At night, the scene was lit with floodlights and numerous vehicles and heavy equipment could be seen.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
“Obviously, we’re working with all agencies involved,” he said.
Results of an investigation can take some time. It is not unusual for investigations to take months to a year before the Transportation Safety Board of Canada comes back with a finding.
“It’s a pretty thorough investigation they go through as well.”
Updates can be found on Red Deer County’s website at www.rdcounty.ca