Crews respond to a train derailment near Town of Irvine (photo courtesy Jennifer Radisic)

By Dori Modney with files from CHAT news

Town of Irvine being evacuated due to train derailment

Aug 2, 2019 | 5:19 PM

IRVINE, AB — The residents of Irvine are being evacuated from the town following a train derailment shortly after 3:00 Friday (Aug 2) afternoon.

CHAT-NewsNOW indicates a witness says there is smoke and flames at the scene of the derailment.

RCMP have traffic blocked in the westbound lane of the Trans Canada Highway east of Irvine, with callers saying traffic is also being stopped near Walsh.

Traffic is also being blocked heading east near the Elkwater turnoff.

Train derailment at Irvine – Photo courtesy Jennifer Radisic

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The number of cars involved in the derailment is not currently known. Photos from the crash submitted show at least seven cars involved. It is also not known if there are any injuries.

A ‘Wireless Public Alert’ for Cypress County indicates the derailment has damaged the rail line and caused chemical exposure, which prompted the evacuation.

More information will be relayed when it becomes available.