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A recently released investigation report regarding a CN train derailment near Alix Junction, Alberta, in October 2011 underscores the need for more stringent rail-flaw testing, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) officials said in a prepared statement.

An independent agency that investigates rail, marine, pipeline and aviation accidents, the TSB determined that the derailment was caused by a "sudden catastrophic failure" of one of the rails, likely due to an undetected defect, board officials said. Although CN's testing was performed per normal procedures and methods, those processes don't always detect rail defects that can cause failures and derailments, they said.

Since the accident, federal track safety rules were revised to make rail-flaw testing more stringent, TSB officials said. CN also is working with its rail fatigue detection suppliers to improve testing protocols and procedures.