Maine Forest Service Provides Status Update on Train Derailment

April 16, 2023

For more information contact: Jim Britt at: Jim.Britt@maine.gov

Augusta, MAINE - Following yesterday's derailment of a Canadian Pacific freight train in Sandwich Academy Grant Township in Somerset County, Canadian Pacific is leading a salvage, clean up, and rail repair operation in partnership with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Maine Forest Service, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and the Jackman-Moose River Fire & Rescue Department.

This effort involves removing the derailed locomotives and rail cars, cleaning up debris from the accident, and repairing the rail line. There is no estimate at this time for how long this effort will take. Officials continue to ask that people avoid the area while work remains ongoing.

The fires stemming from the derailment have burned out, and officials report that the derailment poses no threat to public safety. The rail cars transporting hazardous substances were removed from the scene last night.

The three railroad employees who sustained non-life-threatening injuries were treated and released from the hospital. No further injuries were reported.

The Maine Forest Service extends its gratitude to the Jackman-Moose River Fire & Rescue Department, Rockwood Fire & Rescue, Orono Fire Department, Searsport Fire Department, Greenville Fire Department, Somerset County EMA, United States Border Patrol, Maine Warden Service, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and Maine Emergency Management Agency for their support.