Movement exceeds limits of authority
Canadian National Railway Company (CN)
Freight train Q 11791-23 (CN 117) and freight train B74241-23 (CN 742)
Mile 138.5, Rivers Subdivision
Levine, Manitoba
The occurrence
On 25 May 2026, CN freight train 117 was proceeding west on the north main track of the Rivers Subdivision in Levine, Manitoba, when it passed signal 1385N displaying a Stop indication. The locomotive engineer applied the train brakes approximately 335 feet before the signal, followed by an emergency brake application as the train reached it. The train stopped about 112 feet beyond the signal.
At the same time, CN freight train 742 was proceeding east on the same track approaching Levine with a permissive signal indication allowing them to proceed at signal 1386. As soon as CN 117 occupied the controlled location near Mile 138.5, signal 1386 changed to a Stop indication. The crew of CN 742 made an emergency brake application and came to a stop approximately 1300 feet from the lead locomotive of CN 117.
The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
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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.