A Canadian National Railway freight train carrying combustible materials was trapped by a massive wildfire near Armstrong, Ontario, on Tuesday. Terrifying footage captured the moment bright orange flames raged on either side of the tracks, illuminating the train and creating a claustrophobic scene for the crew inside.
One worker, filming the escalating situation, expressed fear, stating, "This could potentially overtake us here. This is getting a little scary." Another pleaded for the train to move faster, exclaiming, "This has got to move f***ing quicker." The thick smoke and flames obstructed the view, creating an "apocalyptic" scene as recorded by train employees.
Canadian National Railway spokesperson confirmed to Superior North News that operations were suspended due to the wildfire. Employees were evacuated from the trains overnight. It remains unclear if anyone sustained injuries.
Police advised the public to avoid the railway corridor as emergency responders and railway officials worked to assess conditions and implement safety measures. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated there was no immediate threat to public safety.
As of Wednesday morning, multiple wildfires continued to burn across northwestern Ontario, fueled by dry conditions, extreme heat, and strong winds. The intense fires have also impacted air quality in parts of Canada and the northwestern United States. Heavy smoke was expected to reach areas including New York City, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont by Wednesday evening.
This incident follows recent wildfires in North Carolina, where a lightning strike reportedly ignited a blaze on Friday. That fire led to road closures and the destruction of two commercial structures in Brunswick County. A firefighter sustained a minor injury, treated at the scene. As of Sunday afternoon, the North Carolina fire was 50 percent contained, a level that remained unchanged due to a lack of rainfall.