Via Rail is investigating after a passenger train struck some debris, resulting in a fuel leak near Debert, N.S.

The company says the train was travelling between Halifax and Montreal Wednesday afternoon when it struck the debris on the Springhill subdivision, near Belmont Road.

“It was quite clunky, like you knew right away something was wrong,” said passenger Stephen Lye.

“As we were going along, all of a sudden, 'boom boom' and some crashing around, an awful smell,” said passenger Erin Pushie. “We didn't know what was happening; it was pretty frightening.”

Via Rail says no one was injured and all 77 passengers and 12 crew members are safe.

Emergency crews responded to the scene. They are containing and cleaning the fuel leak.

Via Rail says the passengers are being taken to the train station in Truro, N.S.

Train 15 is cancelled and passengers with reservations along that route are being asked to find other means of transportation. Via Rail says the passengers will receive a full refund or can exchange their ticket for a later departure.

“VIA Rail acknowledges that this situation has an impact on the travel plans of our customers and we apologize for the inconvenience,” said the company in a statement.

“As the safety and well-being of our passengers remain our number one priority, we are focusing our efforts into bringing customers currently on-board to their final destinations as quickly and as safely as possible. “

Via Rail says it will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the incident.