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Fireball seen as CN detonates controlled blast

Jan. 10, 2014, Plaster Rock, N.B. – A large fireball was seen and a boom heard from the site of a train derailment in New Brunswick today as officials used a controlled explosion to blast holes in three tanker cars.

CN spokesman Jim Feeny says the procedure they used is known as vent and burn, and preliminary indications are that it went according to plan.

The controlled explosion was used on two tank cars carrying liquefied petroleum gas that were burning today, and a third one with the gas in it that was not on fire.

Feeny says the process involved placing small explosive devices on the tankers to blow holes in them, which releases vapour and gas that is then allowed to burn off.

Some tanker cars that derailed from the CN freight train have been burning since Tuesday night in Wapske, near Plaster Rock.

Feeny says fires from diesel fuel in a locomotive that derailed and a tanker car that was loaded with crude oil have been extinguished.

An evacuation of the area has affected about 150 people since the derailment of 19 rail cars in the 122-car train, and there is no word on when they might be allowed to return to their homes.