No safety danger after derailment near Prince George: CN Railway

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Canadian National Railway says there is no danger to public safety after about 20 rail cars derailed in a small community in northern British Columbia.

The company says its crews are responding to the derailment in Giscome, northeast of Prince George.

CN did not say what the cars were carrying but it says there are no fires, leaks or injuries.

It adds the cause of the incident is under investigation and it will provide more updates as information becomes available.

A spokesman for School District 57 says Giscome Elementary School was evacuated as a precaution at around 9:50 a.m.

Jason Peters says the trail derailment occurred "in proximity" to the school, but he doesn't know how close it was and there were no injuries to students or staff.

"Everybody is completely safe. The school district followed its emergency management protocol and that involved evacuating the kids," he says.

The students were taken to Willow River Church and parents have been notified they can either pick up their children or have them transported to Blackburn Elementary School, about 30 minutes away, for the rest of the day.

Giscome Elementary School has 28 students.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2020.

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