VIA crash responders talk about their ordeal

Eleven days ago a VIA Rail train derailed in Burlington, instantly killing three engineers.

But in the passenger cars behind them dozens of people had been tossed around as the cars spilled off the tracks, leaving many injured and everyone scared. The efforts of so many police officers, fire fighters and paramedics on scene that afternoon and evening helped to make sure the injured passengers, and those that escaped injury, got off the train safely and into caring arms.

This week Nick Dixon sat down for an exclusive interview with seven of the first responders who were called to the chaotic scene that day.

Part 1: Their first impressions as they arrived, and how they managed among the twisted train: