Rail transportation safety investigation R23M0050

TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 17 December 2024.

Table of contents

    Main-track train derailment
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train L59411-30
    Mile 32.7, Sussex Subdivision
    Near Dunsinane, New Brunswick

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 30 October 2023, Canadian National Railway Company freight train L59411-30 was travelling westward on the Sussex Subdivision at approximately 38 mph when a train-initiated emergency brake application occurred at about 1310 Atlantic Daylight Time. The conductor inspected the train and discovered that the last 4 cars had derailed around Mile 32.7, near Dunsinane, New Brunswick. There were no injuries or fires. Approximately 2000 litres of methanol leaked from the 46th car.

    Media materials

    News release

    Undetected rail flaw led to broken rail and derailment near Dunsinane, New Brunswick

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R23M0050

    Main-track train derailment
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train L59411-30
    Mile 32.7, Sussex Subdivision
    Near Dunsinane, New Brunswick

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Dennis Church

    Dennis Church joined the Transportation Board of Canada (TSB) in January 2019. He brings with him almost 15 years of experience in the railway industry.

    Just before joining the TSB, Mr. Church had occupied the position of certified railway car technician for VIA Rail Canada Inc. at its Ottawa Station since 2016. He started his railway career with Ottawa Central Railway (OCR) as a maintenance-of-way employee in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he started a carman apprenticeship. In 2008, after OCR was amalgamated with the Canadian National Railway Company, Dennis was assigned as the mechanical emergency respondent for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. In this role, he was responsible for responding to emergency calls, incident investigation, dimensional load inspections and rolling stock repairs.

      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.