Passing of a stop signal
Canadian National Railway Company
Mile 69.4, CN Kingston Subdivision
Wesco
Cornwall, Ontario
The occurrence
On , a Canadian National Railway Company (CN) freight train (CN 372) was traveling east on the south main track of the CN Kingston Subdivision when it passed a signal displaying a stop indication at Mile 69.4 (Wesco) near Cornwall, Ontario.
At the same time, a VIA Rail passenger train (VIA 67) was traveling west on the same track toward the CN train.
When the CN operating crew realized that they were about to pass the stop signal, they immediately applied the emergency air brakes on their train and made an emergency radio broadcast as required. The VIA Rail locomotive engineer then promptly applied the air brakes, and the passenger train came to a controlled stop approximately 1000 feet from the CN freight train.
There were no injuries, no collision, and no derailment as a result of the emergency stop.
The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
R23H0006
Passing of a stop signal
Canadian National Railway Company
Mile 69.4, CN Kingston Subdivision
Wesco
Cornwall, Ontario
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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.