MASS EVACUATIONS have taken place at Canada’s Pacific Rail yard in Port Coquitlam after a train was engulfed in flames following a collision with a truck carrying ethanol, it has emerged.
Fire and ambulance personnel are currently on the scene close to the Lougheed Highway.
The city of Port Coquitlam confirmed that fire crews were attempting to tackle the aggressive flames.
They tweeted: “We can confirm City Fire crews are on the scene of a fire at CP rail yards. Fire Chief Nick Delmonico will be on scene to speak to media shortly. More information will be provided as soon as details are confirmed.
“Tanker truck carrying ethanol gas hit a CN Rail Car which is the cause of the fire. We can report the driver and CP Rail crew are all safe. No injuries.
“Evacuating area 800 meter radius of the site. Confirmation from CN Rail there are no toxic materials being carried.”
Port Coquitlam Fire Chief Nick Delmonico stated that people in homes nearby were not a part of the evacuation.
He added: "No people out of homes, but essentially all the mall-area businesses are shut down.”
Mr Delmonico warned that nearby cars could result in further explosions as the fire raged on and that fire crews were planning to let the fire burn itself out.
He went on: "There are other cars with other fuels.
“We do have the diesel tanks on the cars as well that we're concerned for.
"If they decide to go, there's a problem there as well."
Users on Twitter posted photos and video of the fire that demonstrated the size and scale of the flames and billowing mushroom cloud of smoke.
One post detailed that the fire was dying down thanks to the efforts from fire crews.
They said: “Fire is finally dying down and under control thanks to our brave first responders.”