The Mayor of Cramahe is demanding answers after there was another issue with a CN Rail train in Colborne on Saturday.
“I want answers,” said Mayor Mandy Martin speaking to Today’s Northumberland at the scene of the latest incident with CN Rail.
“I want answers from our MP, but I especially want answers from CN Rail.”
The last four cars from a freight train reported to be two-miles long which was heading west, just west of Colton Road separated from the train causing it to stop, blocking four railway crossings in Colborne.
It appears once again the knuckle portion of the train, which links the rail cars together came apart.
Saturday’s incident was the second time in just over a week there has been a mechanical issue with the trains in Cramahe Township.
On Friday, April 26, 2019 three railway crossings were blocked for approximately 10 hours when a similar problem happened.
At that occurrence, Cramahe Interim Fire Chief Tim Burgess was very concerned about not being notified of the incident and only found out through a citizen.
CN Rail officials did apologize to the community about the delay and after having a discussion with the Interim Fire Chief there was a protocol put in place where CN Rail would directly contact Peterborough Fire Dispatch who dispatches for Northumberland County fire departments.
During Saturday’s incident, Peterborough Fire Dispatch was notified by CN Rail about the blockage of crossings in Colborne.
But the Mayor still has many concerns about the why this is happening.
“I’m very concerned at the frequency this is happening,” said Martin.
“But I’m more concerned just anticipating what could be and what could happen in terms of what is on the trains and I’m concerned it could escalate very quickly.”
From spills to derailments, Martin said there are a number of variables that come to mind with the frequency of the problems happening along the rail lines.
The information she’s received is that there has been three similar occurrences within the last two weeks.
“While there wasn’t heavy traffic on Colton Street (on Saturday), there were people who seemed to be used to it.”
People were driving around the crossing arms that were activated.
“The frequency is so much that people think it’s ok (to drive around the crossing arms). What do we have them for?”
Getting a total on the number of incidents where the trains have had mechanical issues and the reason why it is happening is something Cramahe Township will be communicating with CN Rail to find out.
In Saturday’s incident there was a large piece of metal that appeared to be from the knuckle (the part that connects the two rail cars) that was near the second CN Rail line approximately 100 metres from the separated rail cars.
The disabled freight train was on one of the rail lines, but the other rail line was still live allowing train travel.
“There was a chunk of some sort of coupling on the track, and it appears it was hit, struck by a live train (VIA).”
Although Martin believes the VIA train was given notice to go slow, if it had been “blasting through” it could have lead to a very serious incident.
“Why is this happening so frequently, what is the cause?”
“This is not acceptable – completely unacceptable.”
Today’s Northumberland sent an e-mail to CN Rail about the latest incident.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
