CN train crew now resting comfortably at home after hitting a rock/mud slide
Published: November 19th 2009
Source: Teamsters Canada

CN train crew now resting comfortably at home after hitting a rock/mud slide at mile 8 on the CN Yale subdivision approximately 10 kilometers south of Boston Bar, B.C.

Although injuries included a broken thumb and numerous cuts, (some that required stitches), were considered minor it was a harrowing experience for the train crew as the locomotive they operated came to rest on its side only feet away from the canyons edge.

“We are very relieved the locomotive engineer and conductor are all right” said Daniel J. Shewchuk President of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents CN locomotive engineers, conductors, trainmen and yardmen, “Safety is always a concern and a safe working environment for our members is paramount. We are very concerned over the length of time taken to respond to this emergency and we will ensure a full investigation into the incident is initiated to prevent any reoccurrence in the future.”

Information provided shows during the two hours it took for rescue crews to arrive on scene the crew endured their injuries, heavy rain and concern of the diesel fuel which was now spilling from the locomotive. Once rescue crews arrived, machinery was used to get to the train crew and lift the door on the nose of the engine to remove the crew, using a stretcher for the locomotive engineer who was knocked out during the incident.

About three hours lapsed from the time of the derailment to the removal of the crew by ambulance using an access point some four miles away.

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