Colin Hanington vividly recalls the eerie silence that greeted him at the scene of one of Canada’s deadliest train collisions nearly four decades ago. As a young volunteer firefighter, he rushed to aid after a CN Rail freight train and a Via Rail Super Continental passenger train crashed near Hinton, Alta., on February 8, 1986, claiming the lives of 23 individuals.
Hanington, then 22, described the initial information about the incident as vague, but as they approached, the sight of billowing smoke led them to the chaotic crash site. The scene was a harrowing tangle of cars and smoke, with paramedics attending to survivors while Hanington’s team battled the fires.
Among the haunting memories, Hanington recounted the grim discovery of remains amidst the wreckage, emphasizing the somber reality of the tragic event. Despite the intense activity, an unusual quietness enveloped the area, with only the crackling of flames and muted voices breaking the stillness.
An official inquiry later determined that the collision resulted from the freight crew’s failure to stop in time due to incapacitation or other factors, shedding light on safety deficiencies within Canadian National Railway’s practices.
Today, a memorial cairn stands at the crash site, a solemn reminder of the lives lost in the tragic incident. Hinton Mayor Brian Laberge reflected on the lasting impact of the accident, noting how it continues to resonate with those involved and the community, with a plaque honoring the victims unveiled years later at a local museum.
Margaret Schultz, overseeing the museum where the memorial plaque is displayed, shared poignant encounters with individuals directly affected by the tragedy, underscoring the enduring emotional toll. Despite the museum not featuring an exhibit on the event out of respect for those affected, the memories remain vivid and deeply felt by many.
Reflecting on the disaster, engineering safety expert Lianne Lefsrud highlighted the improvements made in railway safety since the incident, emphasizing the importance of learning from such tragedies to prevent future occurrences. CN reiterated its commitment to safety and honoring the memory of the lives lost in the Hinton train collision, expressing condolences to the families still grappling with the aftermath.