A State of Local Emergency remains in effect for Kneehill County and the hamlet of Swalwell due to a train/truck incident. The public is advised that for the duration of the emergency, the local authority may take any action it deems necessary to deal with the situation.
A collision involving a train and a B-Train propane truck took place at 14:55 on March 9, 2020, at the railroad crossing located along Railway Avenue in the hamlet of Swalwell. 58 homes in Swalwell and the surrounding area were evacuated.
Crews remained on scene overnight, working to contain the incident. As of 3 a.m. the train involved in the incident was cleared from the scene. One of the impacted propane vessels has been repaired, the product has been offloaded, and is now awaiting transportation. The remaining propane vessel will be uprighted this morning, and reassessed for potential risks.
An evacuation is still in place for the residents of Swalwell and immediate surrounding area. Evacuees are asked to please remain off site to ensure their safety. The Reception Centre located at the Prairie Bible Institute Cafeteria, 350 5th Ave North, Three Hills, AB will remain open throughout the day for displaced residents.
We are working diligently to get residents back in their homes as soon as it is safe to do so, hopefully by early afternoon. Please continue to check Kneehill County’s social media and website for important updates. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
