The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, July 16, edition that Canadian National Railway has suspended freight operations in regions affected by wildfires after a video emerged showing a CN locomotive surrounded by flames in Northern Ontario. The Globe's Eric Atkins writes that the footage, taken from inside the train's cab, captures crew members reacting as nearby trees burn.
"This could potentially overtake us here," one unidentified train operator is heard saying. "This has gotten a little scary."
The video was shot near Armstrong, Ont., around Lake Nipigon. It was posted to social media by Sol Mamakwa, MPP for Kiiwetinoong.
CN said the company's employees in the area have been evacuated and operations suspended.
The railway workers' union, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), said no one was hurt. "We commend the courage and professionalism of our members, who kept their composure in a terrifying situation," said Paul Boucher, TCRC president, in a statement on Wednesday.
"But make no mistake, this incident should never have happened. CN should never have sent a train down those lines. The company knows exactly how bad the situation is in that region. That fire has been raging for five weeks."
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