No injuries reported after early morning train derailment in Paris

CN Rail employees assess the scene along the tracks in Paris on Friday morning after a train derailment halted service. Approximately 24 railcars left the rails by the Dundas Street bridge near No Frills. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A train derailment involving approximately 24 railcars occurred early Friday morning in Paris, prompting a swift response from emergency crews but resulting in no injuries or hazardous spills.

The derailment happened shortly before 6:00 a.m. along the CN Railway line between Oak Park Road and Market Street, however, business owners in the area reported the occurrence near the Dundas Street bridge by No Frills. CN Rail initially reported the incident as two derailed container cars, but the OPP later confirmed that roughly two dozen railcars were affected. CN Railway said that all cars remained upright and that no road crossings were blocked.

“There are no reports of injuries, leaks, spills or fires,” CN said in a statement. “The cause of the incident is under investigation.”

Brant County OPP, CN Rail personnel, CN Police, and the County of Brant Fire Department responded to the scene and continue to support recovery and repair efforts.

“We ask the public to avoid CN Railway properties to allow crews to safely complete their work,” the CN statement added. “Thank you to first responders for their assistance and apologies for any inconvenience caused by this incident.” CN Railway did not respond to an email sent by the Paris Independent Friday afternoon. 

The incident has prompted some residents to question the County’s readiness for emergencies, particularly involving rail infrastructure. While Friday’s derailment posed no threat to public safety, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing emergency preparedness.

In 2018, the County of Brant conducted a large-scale emergency training exercise simulating a train tanker spill in downtown Paris. The scenario included a mock evacuation of residents, institutions and businesses and involved the County’s Emergency Management Program team, OPP, Social Services, and Public Health officials.

“Every year, County officials practice different emergency scenarios,” said then-Fire Chief Michael Seth at the time. “These exercises are our opportunity to assess what is working well and where we need to improve.”

Kent Pottruff, Emergency Management Program Manager for the County of Brant and City of Brantford, called the exercise “a success and an excellent learning opportunity for everyone involved.”

Since then, the County has continued to strengthen its emergency response framework. A bylaw passed in June 2021 formalized Brant’s Emergency Management Program, aligning it with the requirements under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). The program identifies potential hazards and outlines procedures to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

For 2025, the County’s preparedness priorities include ongoing training of the Municipal Emergency Control Group, public education around high-risk hazards, and ensuring compliance with provincial emergency legislation. Current emergency leads include Community Emergency Management Coordinator Kent Pottruff and Fire Chief Darren Watson.

While emergency crews work to clear the derailment, the County reminds residents to take personal steps to be ready in the event of an emergency.

“Everyone should prepare a survival kit of emergency supplies in case utilities are out, roads are closed, or you cannot leave your home,” officials advise. “Plan to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days.”

Information and resources on emergency planning are available at www.brant.ca/EmergencyPlanning.