Man faces criminal charges after joyriding on CPKC train that derailed in southwest Calgary

CTrain staff reported seeing a man riding on a Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) freight train before 13 cars derailed in southwest Calgary on July 13, and police have now charged an individual in connection with the incident.

Dispatch audio made public on Broadcastify reveals operators witnessed the man waving at passengers at Fish Creek platform. "He's definitely joyriding. He was waving at everybody at the Fish Creek platform here and having a good time — until he falls off, anyway," one operator said. Another reported the man "looked like he was in panic mode" and was "struggling hanging onto a side latch."

After spotting the man, operators reported seeing what appeared to be a train moving backwards at roughly 50 kilometres per hour. One operator speculated the man hanging on the side may have uncoupled the cars. "Nobody's driving it. It's a runaway train," another said.

The derailment sent 13 cars into the Priddis Slough, a large wetland, with some partially submerged. The cars contained lumber, plywood, propane and argon. CPKC confirmed there were no leaks or injuries. The railway's police services charged an individual with mischief over $5,000, mischief endangering life, interference with transportation facilities and failure to appear in court. Their next court date is July 27. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the derailment.