(Gatineau, Quebec, November 6, 2008) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its final investigation report (R06V0183) today into the September 3, 2006 White Pass and Yukon Route train runaway and derailment in Log Cabin, British Columbia.
On September 3, 2006, northbound White Pass and Yukon Route (WP&YR) work train 114, with a locomotive and eight loaded ballast cars, ran uncontrolled down a steep grade and derailed the locomotive and the first six ballast cars. One person was fatally injured and three others sustained serious injuries. The six derailed ballast cars were destroyed.
During the investigation, the TSB found that a number of deficiencies with safety management procedures and practices led to this accident. The railway and Transport Canada have undertaken corrective action to mitigate the risks associated with the deficiencies.
Among the action taken, a full-time safety manager was hired, safety training was developed, load capacities were stencilled on the cars, and a car and locomotive maintenance system has been established. In addition, WP&YR is now operating on its mountain grades with specific train handling and marshalling instructions.
"The TSB is pleased with the safety actions taken by WP&YR and by Transport Canada." said Dan Holbrook, Manager, Western Regional Operations. "These measures go a long way to addressing the risks identified in this investigation. They should enhance safety for the 500 000 people who use this train each year and create safer working conditions for WP&YR's employees".
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.
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The public report, R06V0183 and images are also available on the TSB website at www.tsb.gc.ca.
For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Transportation Safety Board fo Canada
(819) 994-8053
