Many Factors Combine to Cause the April 2012 Derailment of Canadian Pacific Freight Train in Alberta

GATINEAU, QC, June 25, 2013 /CNW/ - A number of factors led to the derailment of 10 empty tank cars on a Canadian Pacific Railway siding just south of Innisfail, Alberta, on 21 April 2012. These are the findings of an investigation report (R12C0051) released by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada today. During the accident, one of the tank cars was punctured and a small amount of glycol leaked out. One of the derailed cars struck the lead locomotive of a second train, which had come to a controlled stop to allow the accident train to manoeuvre onto the siding.

The investigation found that there were no issues related to the handling of the train. Citing a combination of factors including track that was not level near the turnout and a mismatch in the height of couplers between cars, the Board found that the wheels on the first derailed car likely climbed over the rail and began a derailment that involved 10 cars and a locomotive.

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

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