Canada's TSB releases report on 2024 train collision in BC

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) yesterday issued its investigation report into a 2024 accident in which a Canadian Pacific Kansas City train collided with a second stationary train near Greely, British Columbia.

The accident occurred Feb. 16, 2024, when CPKC train 805 was traveling on the north main track of the Mountain Subdivision and collided with the trailing car of CPKC train 301 that was waiting on the same track. As a result of the collision, four head-end locomotives of train 805 derailed, with one catching fire, and leaked over 4,600 gallons of diesel fuel.

Four cars from train 301 derailed, with one catching fire, and spilled about 400 tons of grain. Both crew members on train 805 sustained injuries, according a TSB press release.

The investigation found that train 805 missed a "clear to stop" indication, meaning it had to be prepared to stop at the next signal, due to the crew receiving a call from the rail traffic controller that diverted their focus away from the signal. Therefore, the crew mistakenly believed they were operating on a "clear" indication and were ultimately unprepared to stop.

Train 805 ended up passing the next signal. When the flashing light at the tail end of stationary train 301 came into view, the locomotive engineer on train 805 made an emergency brake application; however, there was not enough distance to avoid the collision, TSB officials said.

After the accident, the TSB alerted Transport Canada of the collision and three others where trains operated under restricting signal indications. The TSB's advisory letter was followed by a second rail safety advisory to CPKC informing the company that, in the absence of backup physical defenses to prevent collisions, it may wish to review its procedures for avoiding distraction in critical operating situations.

Both letters highlight the continuing absence of physical fail-safe train controls and the absence of effective interim measures to help ensure the success of administrative defenses for trains operating under restricting signals, TSB officials said. 

To review the investigative report, click here.