A Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway train derailment in Nova Scotia has forced the closure of two schools and the evacuation of two families.

The cargo train was carrying 64 cars when nine of the back cars came off the track shortly after midnight last night. The cars rolled down an embankment in the Sutherland's River area of Pictou County.

The overturned cars contain propane or butane.

No leaks or spills occurred and the two occupants of the train were not injured.

An investigation is underway by the police, transportation safety officials, the emergency measures organization and environment officials. They say at this point the derailment does not appear to be criminal in nature.

Clean up operations are expected to take a few days.