“Situation under control” after the derailment of a CN train in Longueuil; no injuries reported

The derailment occurred around 9 a.m. in the LeMoyne sector, near the intersection of St-Louis and St-Georges streets. Mathieu Gaudreault, a CN spokesperson, said about eight cars derailed at the Southwark rail facility, four of which overturned.

“Since this morning, the information we have is that it was hydrogen peroxide that was in the wagon and that created the fumes that we saw,” he said, adding that he did not There was no risk of fire.

François Boucher, spokesperson for the Longueuil police department, said police are asking residents in the area, including students from nearby schools, to stay indoors while experts ensure the air is breathable without danger.

“It is as a preventative measure that we encourage people to really avoid exposing themselves unnecessarily,” he told reporters near the scene.

Police officers and firefighters were on site, as well as CN railway workers, and a large security perimeter was set up.

Officers were asking people to avoid the area, and the normally busy Route 116 was closed in the area. The containment notice applies to anyone within a 800-meter radius of the derailment, officials said, adding that it would be lifted once a hazardous materials team gives the all-clear. Green.

A daycare in the area was evacuated, but only because it was within the perimeter of emergency services, according to city spokesperson Raphaël Larocque-Cyr. The neighboring Charles-Lemoyne hospital is not affected.

In addition to closing doors and windows, people in the area covered by the notice are asked to close heating, ventilation and air renewal systems, and to stay as far away from windows as possible. .

Gaudreault said the cause of the derailment was not yet clear. Possibilities include a problem with the track, a problem with a maneuver or a mechanical problem, he said.

On social networks, the Minister of Public Security François Bonnardel asked the population to follow the instructions and avoid the sector.

Rail traffic was interrupted due to the derailment and two trains were completely canceled: the 12:30 p.m. train from Montreal Central Station to Mont-Saint-Hilaire; and the 1:45 p.m. train from Mont-Saint-Hilaire to Montreal Central Station.

Ride-hailing operator Exo said alternative transportation methods were available. The company also warned that delays of 15 to 30 minutes could occur on bus lines passing over the 116 in this area.

A chemical, but manageable

Michel Alsayegh, president of the Order of Chemists of Quebec, explains that hydrogen peroxide is commonly used at home, but in lower concentrations. For example, five percent peroxide is used to disinfect wounds. Higher concentrations are used in the pulp and paper industry.

He suggests the spilled peroxide was likely in high concentration, which is why authorities sprayed the site with water, to dilute it.

The authorities are taking special measures because peroxide, with certain products, can create unpleasant fumes.

“Because of the high concentration, water is added to dilute the peroxide so that it ultimately becomes something with very little oxidation and very little danger,” he said.

Alsayegh added that peroxide is not an explosive product. “It is a chemical that has the potential to be dangerous, but will not be considered very dangerous or too dangerous,” he explained.

He also does not expect an “environmental catastrophe”.

–With files from CityNews and The Canadian Press