On April 23, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Elk Valley RCMP responded to an accident involving a CP Rail train and a tractor and trailer hauling a 777 Caterpillar dump truck at the railway crossing at Michel Creek Road and Great Northern Road, near Highway 3, Sparwood.

The lone driver of the tractor and trailer was not injured nor the engineer who was operating the CP train.

RCMP learned that due to a mechanical failure of the tractor it stopped moving as it was crossing over the railway tracks. An alert person warned the driver and he jumped out of the tractor to safety and within seconds the train had collided with the trailer dragging it for 350 meters. The trailer was disconnected from the tractor unit.

There was no immediate environment concerns as the train was not hauling chemicals or other biohazard liquids. The Sparwood Fire Department was on scene to control and monitor the fiery scene.

Elk Valley RCMP would like to thank Sparwood Fire Department, BC Ambulance Service, CP Rail and Teck Coal for their assistance at this scene.

Elk Valley RCMP photo

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