Train derailment in downtown Winnipeg

A minor train derailment in downtown Winnipeg delayed traffic during Wednesday’s afternoon rush hour.

Canadian National Railway says nine cars left the tracks around 5:08 p.m. on its main line east of Main Street.

The cars remained upright and did not leak. A CN spokesperson said the only loaded cars contained sand, while the two derailed tank cars were empty. No one was injured.

At 5:12 p.m., the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the City’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator arrived on scene to evaluate the situation. William Stephenson Way and Pioneer Avenue were temporarily closed.

CN initiated its incident response plan and brought crews were on scene Wednesday evening to restore service to the line. The City of Winnipeg expected the cars to be back on the rails by 9 or 10 p.m.

Brent Kossey, CN Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations, said the westbound train originated in Winnipeg and was inspected before departure.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.