Evacuation lifted after B.C. train derailment causes propane leak

Cleanup operations remain underway east of Cranbrook, British Columbia, after a weekend train derailment caused a propane leak and forced evacuations at several rural properties along the Kootenay River.

Officials confirmed that repairs to the damaged track were completed early Sunday morning, allowing rail traffic to resume after thorough safety inspections. Crews continue to remove the derailed cars from the site.

The derailment occurred approximately 16 kilometres east of Cranbrook in a remote section of the railway. Initial assessments indicate that about 12 cars were involved, including lumber shipments and three propane tankers. Most of the cars carried non-hazardous goods, though some lumber from a damaged car ended up in the Kootenay River.

One of the propane tank cars, situated on land, was reported to be leaking. Propane is typically stored as a pressurized liquid, which vaporizes into highly flammable gas if released, creating serious safety risks. By Sunday, crews had successfully contained the leak and repositioned the propane cars along the tracks to prepare for safe offloading in the coming days.

The Regional District of East Kootenay initially issued an evacuation order for five properties near the derailment site and declared a state of local emergency. Both the evacuation and emergency declaration were lifted Saturday evening after officials determined there was no longer a threat to the public.

One resident affected by the evacuation was Jamie Jones, owner of a 400-hectare cattle ranch near Wardner. Jones said that while feeding her herd of 750 cattle, authorities instructed her family to leave the property immediately due to the propane leak. They were given a short window to finish tending to the animals before evacuating. While temporary accommodations and meal coverage were offered, her family chose to stay in their vehicle, monitor updates, and return home by Saturday evening.

Though propane itself is odourless, an additive gives it a distinct rotten-egg smell, which allowed residents to detect the leak even after leaving the property. Jones, who has lived on the ranch for more than two decades, said derailments this close to her property are rare, but she is always mindful of livestock safety due to the proximity of the railway.

Authorities have advised residents and travelers along Fenwick Road to remain cautious as cleanup continues and heavy equipment remains in the area. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed investigators to determine the cause of the derailment.

Crews are expected to continue working for several days to remove derailed cars, secure any remaining materials, and fully restore the area. Residents can now safely return to their homes, though the incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by rail traffic in rural communities.