Fish are dying along the Cheakamus River following a train derailment that resulted in a toxic chemical spill.

A tanker loaded with sodium hydroxide was among nine cars of a CN train that went off the tracks and plunged into Cheakamus Canyon.

The tanker spilled its load of 51,000 litres of the chemical into the river.

An official says the fish in the river appear lethargic and burned.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is warning people not touch or drink the water and not to handle or eat any fish from it.

It also says water wells in the vicinity should not be used until further notice and people should see a doctor if they suffer skin irritation after touching the water.

© Broadcast News 2005