(Newswire.net — June 27, 2013) Calgary, AB — The train that derailed on the Bonnybrook Bridge has now been stabilized. Fears that the cars loaded with a diesel type fuel may fall into the fast moving Bow River have been averted. The rail cars have been secured so that if the bridge were to collapse the cars would be suspended over the swollen river.
This morning at approximately 3:30 a.m. the bridge gave way as the train was crossing the bridge. All cars that could be safely removed have been taken away leaving six in peril of falling into the fast moving river. The good news is that the bridge has not deteriorated any further since this morning at around 9 a.m. when the catastrophe occurred.
Heavy equipment was brought in to stabilize the derailed tanker cars that were in danger of falling into the Bow River. Crews are removing the contents of the five derailed cars which are said to be carrying a flammable liquid of diesel like fuel. The area has been evacuated to ensure the safety of the public.
The Bonnybrook Bridge is a rail bridge owned by CP Rail and falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Even though the bridge was recently inspected the damage was not detected. With recent flooding in Calgary and area in recent days emergency crews and inspection personnel are under a tremendous work load. Considering the extent of the flooding damage that has occurred in Calgary CP officials are doing their best under the circumstances.
Two inspections were carried out on this particular bridge by a qualified bridge inspector according to officials one Saturday and the track was inspected on Monday. With the conditions of the swollen Bow River it is understandable that a problem may have gone unnoticed.
Since the cars are loaded with a flammable liquid the area is still under evacuation orders. The Bonnybrook Bridge is located in an industrial area no homes are at risk.
Media Contact Info:
Oil and Gas Directory – Oilfield Directory Publications
10301 104th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J-1B9
Phone: 780-701-7282
Sources
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/06/27/calgary-rail-bridge-on-verge-of-collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJQk_KFkeu0
Author Scott Steele on Google+