Train derailment and spill leads to confinement order on Montreal’s south shore

Emergency services are at the scene of a train derailment Thursday morning on Montreal's south shore, where they are urging citizens to stay away from the area.

A freight train derailed on Montreal’s south shore Thursday morning, leading to calls to stay inside and road closures due to a spill of hydrogen peroxide.

The derailment happened at around 9 a.m. in the LeMoyne area, near the intersection of St-Louis and St-Georges streets, in Longueuil.

Longueuil police said no injuries were reported, but a CN rail official told reporters that three employees had been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Mathieu Gaudreault, a spokesman for CN rail, said about eight cars derailed at the Southwark rail facility, including four that toppled over.

“As of now we don’t know why the train derailed,” he said, adding possible causes include a problem with the track, a problem with a manoeuvre, or a mechanical issue.

The City of Longueuil confirmed people within an 800 metres around the site are being asked to stay indoors as a “precautionary measure.” Residents in the affected area should turn off ventilation systems, move away from windows and remain sheltered until as long as authorities advise.

Police also urged students at nearby schools, to stay indoors while experts ensure the air is safe to breathe.

“It is as a preventive measure that we encourage people to really avoid exposing themselves unnecessarily,” police spokesperson François Boucher said.