Dense fog led to January 2013 crossing collision between a passenger train and a vehicle near Joliette, Quebec

DORVAL, QC, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (R13D0001) into the January 2013 rail crossing collision between a VIA Rail Canada Inc. train and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) near Joliette, Quebec.

On 9 January 2013, at about 9:50 am Eastern Standard Time, the passenger train was travelling from Montréal to Jonquière, Quebec, when it struck the SUV at the rang de la Deuxième-Chaloupe public crossing on the Canadian National Joliette Subdivision. Both occupants of the vehicle were fatally injured and the vehicle was destroyed. There was no derailment.

The investigation determined that the density of the fog in the vicinity of the crossing severely reduced the available sightline distance and reduced the opportunity for the driver to observe both the approaching train and the activated railway crossing signals prior to reaching the crossing. Although the train horn, located at mid-locomotive, was sounded, it was not effective in alerting the driver to the presence of the train. The investigation also noted that the emergency horn located at the head end of the locomotive was not activated, and that proactive use of this horn can provide a more effective warning.

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. 

SOURCE: Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Transportation Safety Board of Canada
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