A 106-car Canadian Pacific freight train experienced a significant derailment while traveling through Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. On October 11, 1979, the train was transporting a variety of explosive and poisonous chemicals from Windsor, Ontario. When the train derailed, it caused a considerable disturbance in the area, raising immediate safety concerns among local residents and authorities. Notably, some of the derailed cars contained highly hazardous cargo, which necessitated an urgent response from emergency services to assess the situation and mitigate any potential risks to public safety. The derailment led to immediate evacuations and a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident. Emergency protocols were activated to secure the site and ensure that the dangerous materials did not pose a threat to the community.

In the aftermath of the derailment, Canadian Pacific Railway faces scrutiny regarding its safety practices and procedures for transporting hazardous materials. This incident prompted discussions on the regulations surrounding the railway industry and the transportation of dangerous goods. The response efforts led by local and provincial emergency services involved hazardous materials teams, ensuring that the chemicals involved were safely contained and removed from the site. Comprehensive evaluations of safety protocols began as part of the railway's commitment to improve its operational standards and prevent future incidents, thus impacting the overall regulation of freight transportation.