Rail engineers in northwestern Ontario narrowly escaped a wildfire that engulfed their train, with terrifying footage showing flames surrounding the locomotive near Armstrong. The crew detached from the locomotive to rescue a foreman, but poor visibility caused a collision that sparked further fires, according to reports. The men eventually escaped on foot, and no one was injured.
Footage Captures Terrifying Ordeal
Footage captured inside the cabin shows a wall of orange flames surrounding the locomotive as the fire ripped through tracks and woodland. One engineer says: 'This could potentially overtake us here. This has gotten a little scary.' Another adds: 'Okay y’all need to hurry up here, we’re encased in flames.' The cabin is bathed in surreal orange light from the blaze.
Wildfires Across Northwestern Ontario
Northwestern Ontario has been hit by at least 128 separate fires, forcing residents to leave their homes. Armstrong is under an evacuation order along with Lac La Croix First Nation, Collins First Nation, Whitesand First Nation, and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. Major roads, including Highway 11, were briefly closed as a precaution. Swathes of northern Ontario are under a severe heat warning, with humidity making the temperature feel like 40°C.
Global Heatwave Impacts
In Europe, a gruelling July heatwave lingers over western and southern parts. The dry spell has worsened conditions in Spain, where one of the country’s worst wildfires has killed at least 13 people, including British nationals trapped in cars. The UK has been enduring high temperatures for weeks, with drought conditions possible in the south.
