Federal authorities are investigating whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated regulations when a team had to evacuate from a train caught in flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada representative Hicham Ayoun stated that the government is conducting additional oversight to determine if CN breached regulations outlined in the Railway Safety Act. Ayoun emphasized that Transport Canada stands ready to enforce operational limitations or protective actions when required. The department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to assess potential health and safety transgressions.
A widely circulated video captured the intense situation as the train faced encroaching flames near Armstrong, Ont., with trees ablaze on both sides of the tracks. An urgent radio communication from a worker underscored the severity of the situation, prompting the crew to evacuate on foot to safety and receive treatment for smoke inhalation. The union, representing over 10,000 railworkers, demanded that CN cease operations in active wildfire zones following the incident. Teamsters Canada president Paul Boucher condemned the event, stressing that CN should have prevented the train from traversing the affected area. However, he praised the crew for their bravery and professionalism.
CN has initiated an inquiry into the incident, confirming the safe extraction of the crew from the location, over 200 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, on Monday. The Montreal-headquartered company temporarily halted rail operations in a section of northwestern Ontario to prioritize the safety of employees, the local community, and emergency personnel. Conversely, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. stated that their operations in Ontario and Western Canada remain unaffected by the wildfires, with trains running as usual.
Premier Doug Ford disclosed that approximately 190 wildfires are currently active in northern Ontario, leading to multiple community evacuations and surpassing the total land area scorched in the previous year’s fire season. Some First Nations leaders have criticized the government’s handling and communication during the evacuations, particularly pointing out the challenges faced by Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins First Nation), which had to evacuate without provincial assistance.
