Main-track derailment
Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway
Mile 25.4, Wacouna Subdivision
Near Saumon Station, Quebec
The occurrence
On 03 November 2024, at approximately 1956 Eastern Standard Time, 7 cars loaded with iron ore on a train operated by Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway travelling at about 22 mph, derailed on the main track at Mile 25.4 of the Wacouna Subdivision near Saumon, Quebec.
About 250 feet of main track was damaged. There were no injuries, and there was no environmental damage. 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.