Train cars spill content in creek following derailment west of Banff townsite

The Transportation Safety Board is investigating an early morning derailment in Banff National Park.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., a westbound C.P. Rail train left the rails, sending 15 cars off the track. Seven of the derailed cars landed toppled into a creek.

"We have the authority to take a look at all track and structure and infrastructure and everything surrounding the circumstances that led to the accident," Transportation Safety Board's John Coutreau said. "Our folks are there now, gathering information, so we can do that type of assessment to determine whether this occurrence merits a closer investigation."

According to Cottreau, the derailment occurred in 40 Mile Creek, a tributary of the Bow River, at a location roughly 200 metres north of the Bow River. Nine train cars contained lentils while six cars were transporting Fly Ash, a cement component.

No injuries have been reported.

Parks Canada and the Transportation Safety Board are working together to address potential environmental concerns.

The spill has turned the clear creek water to a brownish grey. Hay bales have been placed in the water in an attempt to contain the cargo from spreading throughout the waterway.

The cause of the derailment has not been released. An investigation into the incident is underway.

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  Train cars in 40 Mile Creek following a derailment on Boxing Day (courtesy: TSB)

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  Toppled train cars on a damaged bridge atop the 40 Mile Creek (courtesy: Transportation Safety Board)

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  CP Rail crews attempt to remove derailed cars from 40 Mile Creek

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  Toppled train cars in 40 Mile Creek following a Boxing Day derailment in Banff National Park