Train Fire in Downtown London, Ontario Sparks Investigation and Safety Concerns

On a late Sunday night in downtown London, Ontario, a dramatic scene unfolded as a Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKCR) train with flames visible from afar careened towards the city center. Despite the alarming situation, there were no injuries reported. The fire, which started in wooden railway ties within five train cars, prompted an intensive firefighting effort involving 28 firefighters and 10 fire apparatus. The incident, which occurred around 10:49 p.m. ET, resulted in the train stopping at Richmond Street and Pall Mall Street.

Authorities have confirmed that there were no hazardous materials on board. However, the burning ties were treated with a flammable wood preservative, raising questions about how the fire started and why it was not detected sooner. The train crewís awareness and response to the fire are under scrutiny, especially since the train stopped unexpectedly in a residential area near a shunting yard.

The quick response from Londonís fire department prevented what could have been a more severe disaster. ìWe will treat everything as arson until proven otherwise,î stated London Fire platoon chief Colin Shewell, indicating the seriousness with which this incident is being handled. The fire was extinguished within an hour and a half, but crews remained on scene for hours to address smoldering materials.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading an investigation into the incident, looking into the sequence of events, safety protocols, and the cause of the fire. Early speculations by rail consultant Malcolm Cairns suggest that sparks from the train wheels are an unlikely cause.The incident has sparked concerns about railway safety regulations, particularly regarding the transport and storage of flammable materials. The financial damage is estimated at $35,000, affecting both the rail cars and a nearby office building.This event has left the community of London, Ontario, looking for answers and reassurances about the safety of rail transport through their city, as investigations by both CPKCRís own police oversight body and the TSB continue.