(GODERICH, ON) – A train derailment that took place in Goderich yesterday afternoon is currently under investigation by Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) and Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
On February 1, 2021 at approximately 1:33 p.m. Huron County OPP, Goderich Fire Department (GFD) and Huron County Paramedic Services responded to the Goderich Grain Terminal on Harbour Street after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a witness that reported a freight train had derailed and collided with a pickup truck and an outbuilding.
Upon arrival firefighters immediately attended to two occupants that were initially trapped inside their damaged pickup truck. With the assistance of the firefighters the driver and passenger of the pickup were assisted out of the vehicle unscathed.
In addition to the damaged pickup truck the freight train completely demolished a transport truck and trailer that had just been loaded at the grain elevators. Fortunately the truck was unoccupied at the time of the collision.
After demolishing the transport truck and trailer the runaway train continued west toward the lake whereupon approximately 10 of the cars derailed and continued on striking the pickup truck and a wooden storage shed before coming to a halt.
Figure 1 – Demolished Transport
Figure 2- Damaged Pickup & Building
An estimate on the dollar value of the damages has yet to be established.
Harbour Street remains closed at the top of the beach hill to allow heavy equipment operators complete the necessary clean-up. In addition to vehicle traffic, pedestrians are advised to stay away from the area for their own safety.
A comprehensive investigation is underway to try and establish the cause of the crash.
Should you have any information about this incident, including possible video surveillance of the crash please contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122.