SPARWOOD, B.C. - A Canadian Pacific Railway freight train carrying coal has derailed near the southeastern British Columbia community of Sparwood.

Eighteen cars went off the tracks in the accident at about 3:30 p.m. Friday.

CP spokeswoman Salem Woodrow says there were no injuries to the crew and no public safety issues.

She says the railway's emergency protocols were immediately enacted and all safety precautions and measures are being taken as crews respond to the situation.

She says all necessary resources have been deployed and the incident will receive a full investigation.

Woodrow says there has been no impact to CP operations but it is not yet clear when the line will reopen.