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Slight leak of crude oil when part of CN freight derails west of Edmonton

Several cars in a Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) freight train have derailed northwest of Edmonton.

WHITECOURT — Several cars in a Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) freight train have derailed northwest of Edmonton.

Emily Hamer, a CN spokeswoman, said there were no injuries and no fire when five cars in the slow-moving train left the tracks early Friday morning, about 15 km east of the town of Whitecourt.

The southbound train was heading to Edmonton.

Hamer said two of the five cars were loaded with crude oil.

She said response crews including emergency services and environment teams were on site.

“There was a reported leakage from one of the valves from one of the tank cars,” she said. “It has been confirmed that it has been secured and there are no leaks.”

Hamer said the other three cars were carrying paper and forest products.

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Brian Wynn, chief of the Whitecourt Fire Department, said the area where the derailment occurred is heavily treed and emergency crews had to use all-terrain vehicles to gain access to the site.