“Probe Into CN Railway’s Fire Rescue Incident”

Federal authorities are investigating whether Canadian National Railway Co. violated regulations when a crew had to be rescued from a train surrounded by flames in northwestern Ontario. Transport Canada is conducting oversight to assess CN’s compliance with the Railway Safety Act and is ready to impose restrictions or safety measures if needed. The department is collaborating with Employment and Social Development Canada to examine potential health and safety breaches. A widely circulated video captured the intense situation near Armstrong, Ont., with trees ablaze on both sides of the tracks as flames closed in on the train. A worker urgently radioed for help as the crew had to evacuate on foot due to the fire, suffering from smoke inhalation. The trade union representing railworkers condemned CN for allowing the train to operate in a fire-prone area and commended the crew for their bravery. CN is conducting an internal investigation into the incident and has halted operations in a part of northwestern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford highlighted the severity of the wildfire situation in Ontario, with numerous evacuations and a significant loss of land to fires. Some First Nations groups have criticized the government’s handling of evacuations, including Whitesand First Nation and Namaygoosisagagun First Nation.