Calgary

13 train cars careen off tracks in southeast Calgary, blocking road and knocking down power lines

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People were being asked to avoid the area between 25th Street and 50th Avenue S.E.

CN Rail is investigating the cause of the derailment, which happened Tuesday evening. (Andrew Brown/CBC)

Thirteen train cars derailed in southeast Calgary around 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Fire crews were asking people to avoid the area between 25th Street and 50th Avenue S.E., and the intersection of 50th Avenue and 30th Street S.E. is closed as the derailed cars temporarily blocked the roadway.

Four of the derailed cars were empty diesel tankers. The other cars were empty as well.

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The fire department's battalion chief confirmed two conductors were on the train when it derailed, and both are unhurt.

Fourteen train cars derailed in southeast Calgary on Tuesday evening. (Andrew Brown/CBC)

Power lines were also knocked down by the derailed cars.

"The train cars are fairly stable," central district chief Innes Fraser said. "It's very fortunate."

Fire crews, EMS, police and Enmax were on scene.

CN Rail confirmed in an emailed statement the derailment occurred outside its Sarcee Yard.

"No injuries, fires or dangerous goods are reported to be involved at this time and there is no danger to public safety. Three crossings are currently blocked and the cause derailment is under investigation," the company's statement read.