The train that derailed near Mattawa, Ont., Wednesday caused more than 15,000 litres of fuel to spill into the Ottawa River.The train that derailed near Mattawa, Ont., Wednesday caused more than 15,000 litres of fuel to spill into the Ottawa River. (CBC)

The destruction of three beaver dams is being blamed for a train derailment that caused more than 15,000 litres of fuel to spill into the Ottawa River Wednesday, according to the company that owns the train.

A spokeswoman for Ottawa Valley Railway said the train went off the tracks when it reached a remote area near Mattawa, Ont. — 60 kilometres east of North Bay, Ont. — at around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

The train encountered 200 metres of washed-out tracks and two locomotives and six cars went off the tracks, said officials.

A board spokeswoman with the Transportation Safety Board said one of the cars ended up in the river, causing the fuel spill.

The destruction of three beaver dams caused flooding that derailed the train,The destruction of three beaver dams caused flooding that derailed the train, (CBC)

It was not immediately clear how the beaver dams had been destroyed.

Officials said the train's two-person crew suffered minor injuries.

Three investigators from the Transportation Safety Board were sent to the scene to determine whether the agency will launch an investigation.