The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 06 October 2014.
Collision at a level crossing
Passenger train no. 24
Operated by VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Mile 15.62, Bridge Subdivision
Near the Gare du Palais
Québec, Quebec
The occurrence
On 02 May 2013, at about 1948 Eastern Daylight Time, VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train No. 24, while carrying out a reverse movement between the Gare du Palais and the Limoilou Yard, collided with a tractor-trailer at the private level crossing leading to the White Birch Paper mill. The last passenger car was damaged, and the tractor-trailer was destroyed. No one was injured as a result of the accident. Nearly 300 litres of diesel fuel from the tractor-trailer's fuel tank spilled on the ground.
Media materials
News releases
Safety procedures revised following May 2013 train - truck collision in Quèbec City
Read the news release
Investigation information
R13Q0012
Collision at a level crossing
Passenger train no. 24
Operated by VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Mile 15.62, Bridge Subdivision
Near the Gare du Palais
Québec, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Guy Laporte joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in 2006. He had previously acquired valuable experience in the rail industry over a 27-year career at CN in Montréal, where he held various technician positions in Technical Services and supervisory positions with the railway's Buildings and Bridges and Structures departments.
Since joining the TSB, Mr. Laporte has taken part in numerous rail accident investigations in Eastern Canada.
Mr. Laporte earned a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology from Montréal's Collège Ahuntsic in 1978.
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
- 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.