Cleanup of fuel spill underway after train derails near Kamloops

A cleanup is underway after a train derailed near Kamloops Saturday, the B.C. government says.

The Environmental Emergency Branch (EEB) says it was informed of a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train derailment close to Cherry Creek around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“The preliminary assessment is that one locomotive and approximately 17 cars, a mix of loaded and empty rail cars, were involved,” the EEB said.

“Four of the cars are loaded with fuel, five loaded with gypsum, and one loaded with pulp products. The other rail cars are empty, including three that last contained gasoline.”

According to the government’s incident report, the spilled content consisted of fuel and gypsum.

“Containment boom has been deployed at the site,” the branch said.

“CPKC crews and equipment, including environmental teams, are on site conducting a full assessment and beginning work on a clean-up,” CPKC said in a statement to 1130 NewsRadio.

“Crews are coordinating with the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.”

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for more information.