Train derailment kills Yukon rail worker
Last Updated: Monday, September 4, 2006 | 2:11 PM PT
CBC News
A Yukon man is dead and three rail workers injured after a train derailment in northern B.C. on the White Pass railway.
Just after 1 p.m. Sunday, a working train carrying the four employees went off the rails between Log Cabin and Bennett, on the B.C. section of the line.
Gary Danielson, president of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, said the cause of the accident isn't known.
"It's going to be a hard time for all of us and especially the families involved. We are all joining together and sending our thoughts and prayers to the families," he said.
The train, consisting of a locomotive and eight cars loaded with gravel, was heading north towards Bennett when it derailed.
Bruce Harder, a 45-year-old heavy equipment operator from Carcross, died in the accident. He is survived by his wife Patricia and their children.
Transport Canada is investigating.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad mostly carries tourists on day trips. The railway runs from Skagway, Alaska, through B.C. to Carcross, Yukon.
It is most unfortunate that this happened on the White Pass, and I am sorry to hear that it cost the life of Bruce Harder, even though I did not know him. I can identify with the White Pass & Yukon Route because I had ridden a portion of it while on a cruise tour of Alaska three years ago. I had ridden the White Pass from Carcross to Skagway and the rugged beauty of that part of the world is absolutely stunning!
CANADIANPACIFIC2816
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