Update: The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 13 November 2019.
Main track derailment
Canadian National Railway Company
Freight train M31731-04
Mile 166.33, Redditt Subdivision
Rennie, Manitoba
The occurrence
On 06 January 2018, at about 0125 Central Standard Time, Canadian National Railway Company freight train M31731-04 was proceeding westward at about 50 mph on the Redditt Subdivision when it experienced a train-initiated emergency brake application. A subsequent inspection revealed that 23 cars (the 38th to the 60th car from the head-end) had derailed at Mile 166.33. Eight of the derailed cars, which included 1 residue car, were transporting dangerous goods. There were no injuries, and no product was released.
Media materials
News release
Wheel failure led to main-track derailment of 23 cars near Rennie, Manitoba
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to a train derailment east of Elma, Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 06 January 2018 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a Canadian National Railway (CN) derailment that occurred approximately 50 km east of Elma, Manitoba. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R18W0007
Main track derailment
Canadian National Railway Company
Freight train M31731-04
Mile 166.33, Redditt Subdivision
Rennie, Manitoba
Investigator-in-charge
Giorgio Celere joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in January of 2015. Before joining the TSB, Mr. Celere was with Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway for 33 years. For the majority of his career he was in CP's material engineering laboratory, where he obtained experience and formal education in material testing/inspection, welding, metallurgy and failure analysis. He also acquired an extensive background in mechanical and engineering operations, developed portions of CP's Train Accident Cause-Finding Seminar and assisted in its delivery.
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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.