Update: The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 January 2019.
Main-track train derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P69341-04
Mile 23.60, Turnberry Subdivision
Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan
The occurrence
On , a VIA Rail train proceeding northbound derailed at Mile 23.4 of the Turnberry Subdivision near Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, due to a washout. The inspection revealed that 2 locomotives and 2 cars derailed in various positions. Initial reports indicate that two locomotive engineers sustained minor injuries. No dangerous goods were involved.
Media materials
News Releases
Investigation report: July 2018 main-track derailment near Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys an investigator to a Via Rail train derailment in Saskatchewan
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying an investigator to the site of a Via Rail train derailment near Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R18W0168
Main-track train derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P69341-04
Mile 23.60, Turnberry Subdivision
Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Berriault has been with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) since 2007. He is a senior regional investigator, Central Region, based out of the Winnipeg, Manitoba, office.
Among other responsibilities, he has been the Investigator-in-charge of eight rail accident investigations and served as a team member in a number of other investigations throughout Canada providing operational and technical expertise.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Berriault held numerous positions with Canadian National Railway (CN) from 1980 until 2007, including superintendent of operations. While at CN, he gained extensive knowledge of all aspects of train operations, including both the mechanical and engineering functions.
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.