Rail transportation safety investigation R12T0217

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 27 January 2014.

Table of contents

    Pedestrian fatality
    Canadian Pacific Railway
    Freight train 147-01
    Mile 111.12, Galt Subdivision
    London, Ontario

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 01 December 2012, at 1636 Eastern Standard Time, while proceeding westward on the Galt Subdivision, Canadian Pacific Railway freight train 147-01 struck an 11-year-old pedestrian on the Third Street public crossing (Mile 111.12) in London, Ontario. This crossing is equipped with flashing lights, a bell, and gates. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries.

    Media materials

    News releases

    2014-01-27

    Lack of awareness of railway crossing risks led to pedestrian fatality
    Read the news release

    Deployment notice

    2012-12-03

    Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys a team to investigate a rail accident in London, Ontario

    The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to London, Ontario, to the site of a rail accident. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R12T0217

    Pedestrian fatality
    Canadian Pacific Railway
    Freight train 147-01
    Mile 111.12, Galt Subdivision
    London, Ontario

    Photos

    Image
    The railroad crossing at Third Street in London, Ontario
    Image
    View of the tracks from Third Street in London, Ontario

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.