Rail transportation safety investigation R13C0049
The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 December 2014.
Table of contents
Main-track train collision
Canadian Pacific Railway
Freight trains 351-424 and 100-17
Mile 138.7, Maple Creek Subdivision
Dunmore, Alberta
The occurrence
On , at about 1330 Mountain Daylight Time, Canadian Pacific Railway train 351-424, operating westward on the north main track of the Maple Creek Subdivision approaching Dunmore, Alberta, struck the side of eastward Canadian Pacific Railway train 100-17 that was departing Dunmore from the north main track through the crossover onto the Depot 1 track. As a result of the collision, the 2 lead locomotives and following 2 cars on train 351-424 derailed. On train 100-17, 2 cars derailed and several others sustained damage. The conductor of train 351-424 sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
Media materials
News releases
2013 Train collision near Dunmore, Alberta, stresses need for action on Watchlist issues
Read the news release
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Peter Hickli has been with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) since 2006. He holds the position of Senior Regional Investigator Rail/Pipeline in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has been the Investigator-in-Charge of 6 rail accident investigations, and has provided technical expertise on several other investigations as an investigation team member
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Hickli worked for BC Rail/CN for 30 years, during which time he served a 4-year Carman apprenticeship, and worked extensively in the Mechanical Department in unionized and management positions. A hazardous materials technician and advanced tank car specialist, he was also a member of the Derailment investigation team and the Hazmat team.
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail 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.