GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 8, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - On 7 October 2014, a derailment occurred at 10:30 am CST involving a Canadian National freight train near Clair, Saskatchewan, approximately 200 kilometres east of Saskatoon. The train originated in Winnipeg and was destined for Saskatoon. Neither of the two crew members onboard was injured.
The train included 100 cars; 40 loaded and 60 empty cars. Twenty-six cars derailed including 6 tank cars carrying dangerous goods (Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, and Petroleum Distillates). Only the 2 cars loaded with Petroleum Distillates were compromised and released product during the derailment which resulted in a fire.
The train was travelling at 40 mph when a train-initiated brake application occurred.
Three TSB investigators are on site. They are continuing to inspect and document the accident site and wreckage. It is too soon to draw any conclusions. To date, the team has reviewed data from the locomotive event recorder, interviewed the crew, and identified pieces of rail to be sent to the TSB's Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for further analysis.
As part of our process, the team will be reviewing the mechanical condition of the rolling stock and of the track infrastructure, and will be conducting a detailed damage assessment of all tank cars involved.
Should the investigation team uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, the Board will communicate them without delay to the regulator and to the rail industry so they may be addressed quickly.
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, Media Relations, 819-994-8053
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