Derailment closes CN line at Telkwa

A derailment on the CN line near Telkwa on Tuesday afternoon has taken 46 coal cars off the tracks and closed the line between Prince Rupert and Prince George until at least midnight tonight.

The train which was bound for the Ridley Terminals, left the tracks around 2 PM on Tuesday, no injuries were reported and there is no environmental risk according to CN.

CN issued this statement to its website outlining the scope of the derailment.

CN Rail workers are currently on the scene of the derailment to determine the cause and effect the clean up, the line closure will affect both freight and container shipments to the Port of Prince Rupert as well as passenger services through Wednesday.

Opinion 250-- CN hopes to re-open line by midnight
CFTK-- Houston Train Derail (video)
CBC Twitter feed-- Major derailment knocks 46 coal cars off the tracks

Update (Feb 23):  CN advised on their website that the site was cleared as of 0330 AM PST on Thursday, with only minimal delays anticipated as service resumed.

Coal car derailment affects shipments to Prince Rupert

CN"s main line across BC to the Northern Gateway was at a standstill on Monday, after 33 cars of a westbound train derailed just south of McBride.

Canadian Business online had these details on the derailment which is affecting shipments to the Port of Prince Rupert, while the Vancouver Sun offered up this report.

Update January 5-- CN reopens the main line Tuesday morning, the Interior news provided the details.