Urgent Update: No Water Contamination After Train Derailment

UPDATE: Testing confirms there is “no contamination” of the local water system serving Kamloops Lake in British Columbia following a catastrophic train derailment that spilled over 80,000 litres of aviation fuel last weekend. Local officials announced this crucial information just hours ago, ensuring residents can breathe a sigh of relief.

Michael Grenier, director for Area J of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, took to social media to share that test results indicate “no direct impact” on the drinking water quality for the 700 residents of Savona, located on the southwestern shore of Kamloops Lake. This announcement is particularly significant as communities assess the fallout from the incident that occurred on November 1, 2025, near Cherry Creek, approximately 20 kilometers west of Kamloops.

While the situation appears stable, Grenier emphasized that the regional district is still awaiting test results for the Walhachin community water system. He reassured the public that the risk remains “very low” at this time, bolstering confidence as testing continues.

In a commitment to transparency, Grenier stated that regular water quality tests will persist, and updates will be communicated to residents in both Savona and Walhachin through the district’s alert system. This proactive approach is vital for community safety as residents recover from the derailment’s impact.

The train derailment, which involved a locomotive and 17 rail cars—two of which were transporting aviation fuel—did not result in any injuries, according to Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The rail operator expressed its commitment to the cleanup efforts, stating they “remain fully committed” to resolving the situation. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation, raising concerns about rail safety and environmental impact.

As the cleanup progresses, authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as new information becomes available.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.