'Minor in-yard malfunction' for Polar Express

A train operated by the West Coast Railway Association (WCRA) derailed over the weekend at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish. The Polar Express, the non-profit’s annual Christmas train, based on the movie with the same name runs from November 24th to December 16th.

On November 24th just after 3 pm the ride that had departed at 2 pm had a ‘minor in-yard malfunction’ according to a statement provided to Mountain FM. According to the WCRA the train was moving at 5 km/hr on its way back to the station at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park. The train was roughly 40 metres outside of the station when the incident occurred. The railway association says there there were no injuries.

Saturday afternoon rides were cancelled to ensure safety of the public. According to the statement by the WCRA, CN Rail engineers ‘worked hard to ensure all proper safety measures and standards were followed following the in-yard minor train malfunction. And as a result, we were pleased to reopen on Sunday November 25th morning as per schedule’. Those visiting from out of town and staying in local hotels were offered a ride on Sunday. All passengers effected by the canceled departures are being contacted and accommodated.

The Christmas spirit was kept alive by the association’s volunteers and magic was in the air according to the WCRA as passengers on cancelled departures were welcomed to stay and visit the North Pole, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, create Christmas crafts, visit the ice cave and more.

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park holds the second largest collection of vintage locomotives in the country, at over 90 pieces. It is known across the Sea to Sky Corridor and further afield for its biggest fundraisers; The Polar Express in the winter, and Thomas The Tank Engine in the summer months.