The Province of Saskatchewan says Highway 16 near Guernsey remains closed and detours are in place.

The highway between Guernsey and Plunket could reopen later Tuesday if deemed safe.

The Ministry of Environment continues to monitor air quality and has not issued advisories at this time. Environmental officers are also on site. Officials say the risk of the smoke plume has diminished since Monday.

Around midnight on Monday, a train hauling crude oil derailed in the Guernsey area, about 115 kilometres east of Saskatoon. The derailment led to a large fire, with thick black smoke billowing into the air. HazMat crews, firefighters, RCMP and CP Rail responded to the scene.

Transportation Safety Board investigators arrived on site Tuesday morning to begin their investigation.

The Province has indicated that a crew of approximately 100 responders, who are also dealing with extreme cold, are focusing on suppressing remaining fires. Clean up work is also underway with some damaged rail cars removed from the site and plans are in place to transport the remaining cars when it’s safe.

The area impacted involves between five and 10 acres. CP Rail says 34 cars derailed. CP re-opened the rail line this morning once all track repairs and safety inspections were complete.

(CJWW)