(Gatineau, Quebec, October 25, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its final report (R04Q0047) into the derailment of a Canadian National train near Lévis, Quebec, on November 12, 2004. The report establishes that the train derailed following a wheel failure on one of the cars. The wheel failed when sub-surface cracks propagated and intersected with cracks caused by shelling of the running surface.
The report identifies a potential risk with wheels that show internal flaws or that have exceeded the limits prescribed by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for shelling of the running surface; these wheels can remain in service since they can still be missed by safety inspections and wayside inspection systems. Also, it highlights the fact that, in this case, since the derailment occurred less than two miles from the train crew change point, the condition of the wheel might have been noticed if a pull-by inspection had been done when the crews changed. Since the beginning of the TSB investigation, several safety actions have been taken by the AAR, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Railway and Transport Canada.
On November 12, 2004, 10 multi-platform container cars of Canadian National train Q-120-31-12 bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, derailed near Lévis, Quebec. The cars sustained minor damage, and two switches and 500 metres of track were damaged. No dangerous goods were spilled and no injuries were reported.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
- 30 -
For further information:
John Cottreau
Telephone: (819) 994-8053
Cellular: (613) 292-4146
