CN Rail working to clean up cars that toppled into river amid extreme weather
CN Rail says it is working to clean up after a mudslide derailed one of its trains along the Skeena River in northwest B.C. Monday.
Images from the scene show several cars spilled into the water but the company says the spill did not involve dangerous goods, and poses no danger to the public.
RELATED: CN train derails in B.C., power out as atmospheric river hammers the coast
But despite those reassurances, hereditary chiefs with the Gitxsan Nation are calling for a halt on all train traffic through their territory, saying extreme weather is posing a greater risk to local waterways.
"Every river is in danger of some kind of contamination," said Simogyet Moolakan (Norman Moore) of the Gitxsan Huwilp Government, pointing out the area is vital to salmon, the oolichan fish and other culturally important food supplies.
Train was hauling empty grain cars: CN
The derailment happened near Port Edward, south of Prince Rupert, as the region was hit by heavy snow and rain due to an atmospheric river.
"[Twenty-seven] empty grain hopper rail cars and one locomotive are currently being reported as derailed in various positions," a CN Rail spokesperson said in an email.
"There are no dangerous goods, fires, or injuries, nor is there any threat to the public as a result of this derailment."
Approximate location of CN Rail derailment on March 16, 2026. (Akshay Kulkarni/CBC)
On Monday night, the federal Transportation Safety Board told CBC News it was aware of the derailment and was collecting information, but had not deployed investigators to the scene. No update was provided Tuesday.
In a release, the Gitxsan Huwlip Government says it wants all rail traffic to be suspended until government officials can guarantee it is safe.
Simogyet Moolakan said while he doesn't want to see a permanent stop to all trains in the area, Gitxsan leaders should have more control over what is transported around waterways that are vital to traditional food supplies.
"We weren't consulted when this land was given away to the railroads," he said.
"They're giving away our resources, and all of this for money."
Thumbnail courtesy of Gitxsan Huwilp Government via CBC.
The story was originally written by Andrew Kurjatand and published for CBC News.