The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 27 February 2017.
Main-track derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train No. 605
Mile 6.30, Canadian National Railway Company
Montreal Subdivision
Montréal, Quebec
The occurrence
On , at approximately 0925 Eastern Standard Time, VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train No. 605, carrying 14 passengers, was travelling west on the north track of the Canadian National Railway Company Montreal Subdivision. At Mile 6.30, the train derailed while negotiating a crossover at 55 mph, where the authorized speed was 15 mph. About 1600 feet of railway track was damaged. An on-board service employee sustained minor injuries.
Media materials
News release
December 2015 VIA Rail derailment emphasizes the need for additional physical defences as highlighted by TSB Watchlist
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys an investigator to a VIA Rail train derailment in Montréal, Quebec
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying an investigator to a VIA Rail train derailment in Montréal, Quebec. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence
Investigation information
R15D0118
Main-track derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train No. 605
Mile 6.30, Canadian National Railway Company
Montreal Subdivision
Montréal, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Perkins worked with Canadian Pacific Railways for 10 years as conductor and engineer. More recently, he was involved in training and recertifying of locomotive engineers and conductors. He recently joined the TSB as Investigator in the Quebec Region.
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.