Main-track derailment
Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPKC)
Mile 85.5, Cranbrook Subdivision
Cranbrook, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 29 November 2025, a Canadian Pacific Railway Company mixed freight train, destined for the United States, was proceeding west on the Cranbrook Subdivision, about 10 miles east of Cranbrook, British Columbia. The train was designated as a higher risk key train as it was carrying more than 35 loaded tank cars of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) along with multiple other dangerous goods. At 07:55 MST, a train-initiated emergency brake application occurred when 12 cars derailed, some of which came to rest in the Kootenay River adjacent to the track.
The derailed cars included six cars loaded with wood products, and six tank cars containing LPG. Five of the cars carrying wood products came to rest partially or completely in the river, spilling some of their contents. One LPG tank car also came to rest partially in the river, and another was punctured during the derailment, releasing approximately one half to two thirds of its contents by dissipation into the atmosphere.
An evacuation was ordered as a precautionary measure, affecting five properties in the area. There were no injuries reported. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
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.