Colin Hanington recalls the solemn quiet that enveloped him as he arrived at the scene of one of Canada’s deadliest railway accidents nearly 40 years ago, led by a column of smoke. Hanington, then a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, rushed to assist after a CN Rail freight train and a Via Rail Super Continental passenger train collided in eastern Hinton, Alberta, on February 8, 1986, resulting in the tragic loss of 23 lives.
Initial reports of the crash were vague, but as they drew nearer, the sight of the wreckage left them in disbelief. Hanington described the scene as a chaotic jumble of cars and billowing smoke, with paramedics quickly attending to survivors as his team battled the fires. The devastation was overwhelming, with remnants of the tragedy strewn across the tracks.
While extinguishing the flames, Hanington came across harrowing sights, including charred cars with figures inside and human remains scattered amidst the wreckage. The somber experience weighed heavily on him, especially when he realized he had unknowingly stood on the body of a deceased CN Rail crew member.
Despite the pandemonium, an eerie silence pervaded the area, with only the crackling of the fire and sporadic voices breaking the stillness. A subsequent public inquiry found that the collision resulted from the freight crew’s failure to stop in time due to incapacitation or other factors, exposing serious deficiencies in safety practices at Canadian National Railway.
Today, a memorial cairn stands at the crash site, serving as a reminder of the tragic event. Hinton Mayor Brian Laberge emphasized that the incident remains etched in the memories of those involved, with its impact reverberating through the community, including first responders and healthcare workers who still recall the fateful day.
Margaret Schultz, overseeing the Northern Rockies Museum of Culture and Heritage where a plaque honoring the victims is displayed, shared poignant encounters with individuals affected by the tragedy. She highlighted the lasting trauma and grief experienced by survivors and relatives, reflecting the enduring pain associated with the disaster.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from the catastrophe, Lianne Lefsrud, an engineering safety and risk management expert at the University of Alberta, underscored the importance of enhanced safety measures in preventing similar incidents. The rail industry has since implemented improved train control systems to enhance safety and avert future tragedies.
Acknowledging the progress in railway safety over the past four decades, CN spokesperson Julianne Threlfall emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Threlfall expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims, reaffirming the company’s dedication to honoring their memory and upholding stringent safety standards.