Rail transportation safety investigation R18D0096

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 September 2020.

Table of contents

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    VIA Rail Canada Inc.
    Passenger train P02921-31
    Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
    Drummondville, Quebec

    View final report

    VIA Rail Canada Inc.
    Passenger train P02921-31
    Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
    Drummondville, Quebec

    The occurrence

    On , at approximately 1935, VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA) passenger train P02921-31 (VIA 29), proceeding west on the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) Drummondville Subdivision at approximately 32 mph, passed Signal 991 that was displaying a stop indication a few seconds after eastbound VIA passenger train P02821‑31 (VIA 28) had cleared the main track. There were no injuries.

    Media materials

    News release

    2020-09-16

    TSB reiterates the need for additional physical safety defences after a passenger train passed a Stop indication in Drummondville, QC
    Read the news release

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R18D0096

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    VIA Rail Canada Inc.
    Passenger train P02921-31
    Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
    Drummondville, Quebec

      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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.