The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 March 2016.
Main-track derailment
Canadian National
Freight train M34641-23
Mile 93.38, Fort Frances Subdivision
Fort Frances, Ontario
The occurrence
On , at approximately 1408 Central Daylight Time, Canadian National freight train M34641-23 was proceeding eastward on the Fort Frances Subdivision when 35 cars derailed at Mile 93.38 near Fort Frances, Ontario. The derailed cars included 2 tank cars loaded with molten sulphur (UN 2448), 1 of which was punctured and released product. The product ignited a small grass fire that subsequently burned itself out. There were no injuries.
Media materials
News releases
Poor track condition and maintenance deficiencies led to the May 2014 derailment of a Canadian National train near Fort Frances, Ontario
Read the news release
Deployment notice
Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys a team to the site of a derailment at Fort Frances, Ontario
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a derailment at Fort Frances, Ontario. No injuries have been reported. The TTSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R14W0137
Main-track derailment
Canadian National
Freight train M34641-23
Mile 93.38, Fort Frances Subdivision
Fort Frances, Ontario
Investigator-in-charge
Don Mustard has been a senior investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) for more than 20 years. He has led and supported numerous rail and pipeline accident investigations and is a specialist in investigative methodology, regulatory affairs, safety management systems and data analysis. Mr. Mustard holds an MS in Applied Analytics from Columbia University and undergraduate degrees in communications and science.
Over the years, Mr. Mustard has been recognized for his contributions to major TSB investigations. He received a Public Service Award of Excellence for his contributions to the Lac-Mégantic investigation and, most recently, for leading the safety management investigation team into the fatal runaway train derailment near Field, British Columbia, in 2019. His investigative work has been presented and published at international industry events, including the International Heavy Haul Association and the International Level Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention Symposium. His most recent work includes leading the implementation of the Safety Risk Management program at Metrolinx, while on sabbatical from his work at the TSB.
Prior to joining the TSB, Mr. Mustard spent 13 years providing geological and communications services to resource companies and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
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.