Evacuation lifted after train hit propane tanker in southern Alberta

Residents of the hamlet of Swalwell in southern Alberta who were forced out of their homes when a train and a propane tanker collided were allowed to return home Tuesday afternoon.

The collision happened Monday at 2:55 p.m. and prompted a local state of emergency and evacuation in thecommunity, which is located south of Three Hills.

About 100 residents were ordered out of their homes.

At 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Alberta Emergency Alert website said the evacuation order and local state of emergency had been lifted.

"Authorities have declared Swalwell safe for re-entry. Crews have been performing field test screenings of the air quality throughout the day, and levels remain at zero," an update posted to Kneehill County's website read.

The county asked residents to refer to its website for a map of routes they should follow to re-enter the hamlet.

"Thank you to our first responders for their decisive actionand to the public for allowing them to work to their full potential," the update read.

Jerry Wittstock, the reeve for Kneehill County said there were no injuries in the collision.

"We believe there's about 100 people that were not allowed to stay. Some of those picked up rooms in town, some were staying with friends and relatives, I would expect,"Wittstocksaid.

CN Rail says propane from the truck leaked but no goods from the train, which was carrying freight containers, spilled.

Swalwell is about 90 kilometres northeast of Calgary.