Exercise proves Kenora is vulnerable to a rail catastrophe

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KENORA, Ont. — An emergency exercise last week revealed this northern Ontario community would be in big trouble if disaster ever strikes on the rails.

This year’s scenario included an over-turned bus set up as though it was hit by a train — 17 army cadets were scattered around the area covered with fake blood and scrapes. The train tanker involved was supposed to be carrying hydrogen sulfide.

The city’s emergency services experienced communications problems and the mock emergency scenario waited for an hour before rescuers moved in on the scene.

“Communications is usually the big area we have to work on,” Woody Linton, Kenora Emergency Services coordinator tells local media.

Within minutes the Kenora Fire Department, Kenora Police Service and paramedics were in close proximity of the scene, but without the HazMat Team on-site, emergency crews were not able to respond.

“Every time you have an exercise you find a few things that have to be improved,” says Linton.

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