Officials hold debriefing over CN train derailment

Internal and external communication that followed a train derailment in Sarnia’s CN rail yard could have been better, officials say.

Internal and external communication that followed a train derailment in Sarnia’s CN rail yard could have been better, officials say.

On July 12, nine rail cars came off the track near the south Indian Road overpass and six of them tipped on their side.

No one was injured, and no spills or leaks occurred.

Sarnia’s Community Emergency Management Coordinator hosted a debriefing July 31 with officials from CN, CN Police, Transport Canada, Environment Ministry, mayor, MP and local police, fire and City Hall personnel.

They concluded the incident was handled well and community safety was never at risk.

However, more training is needed to ensure more effective communication between the agencies and the public at large, city police said.