Skip to content

Guess who needed saving from last night's stranded train?

A group travelling to Sault Ste. Marie by rail in an effort to save passenger service on the ACR line's tracks had to be saved themselves when those very tracks became impassable.

A group travelling to Sault Ste. Marie by rail in an effort to save passenger service on the ACR line's tracks had to be saved themselves when those very tracks became impassable.

The delegation from Hearst were travelling to the Sault in an effort to save the Algoma Central Railway (ACR) passenger service but were evacuated from their train near Searchmont due to deteriorating track conditions caused by heavy rains.

Those representatives from Hearst’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) were to meet with the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Trains (CAPT), the Sault Ste. Marie EDC and other members of the working group attempting to save that passenger service.

Sylvie Fontaine, director general of the Hearst EDC, said the train employees would determine the condition of the tracks as they passed over the washed-out areas.

“The last one was pretty scary because we looked out and it was a 50-foot drop and the water was running under the rails,” said Fontaine.

The train was stopped near Wabos, north of Searchmont, when it was determined the train could no longer safely advance.

Fontaine wasn’t sure what they would do, as the EDC delegation and mayor of Hearst were now stranded on their way to the Sault.

Hearst Mayor Roger Sigouin said he wasn’t phased by the situation.

“I figure, how many times do they close an airport? People sleeping on the bench in the airport?” he said Wednesday.

CN hi-rail vehicles, pick-up trucks modified to ride along the rails, were deployed to evacuate the 27 stranded passengers as well as the three train employees.

Sigouin suggested that women and children ride in the cab as he and others rode in the bed of the hi-rail.

“I was sitting in the back with the luggage. It was a lot of fun,” he said.

The delegates arrived in Searchmont, where they were greeted at the local community centre, and continued to Sault Ste. Marie by bus.

Although their arrival was delayed, the meetings went on with various members of the working group Tuesday and Wednesday.

Their return trip is still up in the air, however. CN did not immediately answer questions by SooToday as to when passenger service will be resumed on the line.

(PHOTO: Train passengers getting out of the high rail truck that brought them past the spots too risky for the train. Headed to the Searchmont Community Center to catch a bus back to Sault Ste Marie. Photo courtesy Searchmont Community Volunteer Fire Department)


What's next?


If you would like to apply to become a Verified reader Verified Commenter, please fill out this form.




Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
Read more