A train carrying hazardous substances, including propane, has derailed in Ontario Canada. With any fire near volatile fuels like propane and butane there is the danger of a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion or BLEVE.
Officials in southern Ontario urged residents in an area east of Port Hope to evacuate their homes immediately after a CN train derailment and fire.
Up to 25 cars on the train left the track near Cobourg, about 100 kilometres east of Toronto.
Mark Lovshin, mayor of Hamilton Township, where the accident happened, said the derailment caused a small grass fire, which was controlled by firefighters. No injuries have been reported.
CN said some of the cars contained hazardous materials, fuel and propane.
The derailment has also severed a gas line parallel to the tracks, and the gas company is at the scene.
Emergency Management Ontario urged anyone within the following boundaries to leave the area immediately: …
The province’s alert advised residents to take their pets and items for “several days’ absence” with them, but not to pick up family members from schools, daycare facilities or other institutions.
The agency warned residents should prepare to be out of their homes for several days.
Another train derailment occurred in Ontario in January.
To understand a BLEVE, watch this video
