The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 26 October 2021.
Collision between a train and a track unit
VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train VIA 68 and
STL 099285 hi-rail vehicle
Mile 30.5, Canadian National Railway Company Kingston Subdivision
Les Cèdres, Quebec
The occurrence
On , VIA Rail train 68 was proceeding eastward at approximately 90 mph when it struck an unoccupied CN hi-rail vehicle that was on the North main track at Les Cèdres, Quebec, at mile 30.5 of the Kingston Subdivision. There was no derailment and no injuries.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: December 2020 collision of a train and a track unit in Les Cèdres, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
R20D0088
Collision between a train and a track unit
VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train VIA 68 and
STL 099285 hi-rail vehicle
Mile 30.5, Canadian National Railway Company Kingston Subdivision
Les Cèdres, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Luc Régis joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in 2019 as a Senior Regional Investigator with the Rail/Pipeline Investigations Branch.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Régis gained considerable experience in the construction and maintenance of railway infrastructure, holding various supervisory positions within the Engineering Department at Canadian National Railway Company (CN) from 2009 to 2014. From 2014 to 2019, he worked at Transport Canada as a Railway Safety Inspector in the Quebec Region, and at Transport Canada’s Emergency Situation Centre (SitCen) as rail safety expert. He lives in Montreal, Quebec.
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.