EDSON – The Canadian National Railway (CN) is currently conducting an investigation into a collision incident involving two trains that reportedly "sideswiped" each other in northern Alberta. This incident occurred on Sunday morning near Edson, a location situated approximately 200 kilometers west of Edmonton.
According to Ashley Michnowski, a spokesperson for Canadian National Railway, the incident took place at low speed, leading to the derailment of several rail cars that were transporting grain. Fortunately, there were no fires or hazardous materials involved in the collision, and the railway tracks in the area remain closed as investigations unfold.
In the statement issued by Michnowski, further details concerning the direction of travel for the trains were not addressed, leaving it unclear if they were moving in the same direction or opposing directions at the time of the accident. Requests for clarification regarding these specifics have not yet been answered.
Further information from RCMP Corporal Mathew Howell revealed that one of the trains was transporting grain while the other was carrying batteries. Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from this incident, alleviating some concerns about the potential risks associated with the collision.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has indicated that it will be deploying a team of investigators to the site of the collision to gather more information and determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Their investigation will aim to provide answers and ensure safety measures are evaluated to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This collision incident, which took place on May 18, 2025, marks a significant event in rail transportation safety, particularly given the type of cargo involved. The failure to confirm whether the trains were operating in the same or opposite directions raises several questions that investigators will address as part of their inquiry.
As the investigation progresses, updates are expected to clarify the situation, detailing the specific reasons behind the collision and outlining any measures that may be taken to enhance safety protocols within the railway system. The involvement of the Transportation Safety Board signifies the seriousness of the incident and the commitment to understanding the factors that contributed to the collision.
