The horn sounded to enter town past 1 a.m., a slight but by no means calamitous noise was heard, and shortly thereafter, an eastbound train engine crossed McKnight Street slowly as it entered Stanley before coming to a halt, its front headlight going out—and there it sat.

Daylight would reveal the full nature of the incident.

Come dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 1, it was revealed that 10 cars had derailed from the track between 345th and McKnight Street, on the far west side of town. Railroad police arrived on scene, with Broadway open but the McKnight crossing closed as a response was mounted, but without dangerous cargo or fire to worry about. Stanley Police had more to say on the matter.

“Preliminary information indicates that approximately ten (10) railcars derailed,” they shared. “There are no dangerous goods involved and there are no fires or injuries. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.” At the same time, there was a reminder.

“We want to remind the public that railroad property is private property and can be extremely dangerous. Railroad Police are on scene, and anyone found trespassing could face prosecution.”

The situation thus made known, trucks from Canadian National railroad as well as Hulcher Professional Services Inc. were on scene Wednesday, with the incident largely cleared up by Wednesday evening.