The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 19 July 2016.
Main-track derailment
Canadian National Railway
Train Q19771-09
Mile 48.41, Skeena Subdivision
Kwinitsa, British Columbia
The occurrence
On , at 0607 Pacific Standard Time, Canadian National train Q19771-09, travelling westward at approximately 32 miles per hour, derailed 1 locomotive and 8 intermodal flat cars consisting of 17 platforms at Mile 48.41 of the Skeena Subdivision. No injuries were reported and no dangerous goods were involved.
Media materials
News releases
Seized axle and crew fatigue led to November 2014 CN train derailment near Kwinitsa, British Columbia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys team to train derailment west of Terrace, BC
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a derailment involving a Canadian National freight train that occurred approximately 75 km west of Terrace, British Columbia. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R14V0215
Main-track derailment
Canadian National Railway
Train Q19771-09
Mile 48.41, Skeena Subdivision
Kwinitsa, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
eter Hickli has been with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) since 2006. He holds the position of Senior Regional Investigator Rail/Pipeline in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has been investigator-in-charge of several rail accident investigations, and has provided technical expertise on several other investigations as an investigation team member.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Hickli worked for BC Rail/CN for 30 years, during which time he served a 4-year carman apprenticeship, and worked extensively in the Mechanical Department in unionized and management positions. A hazardous materials technician and advanced tank car specialist, he was also a member of the Derailment investigation team and the Hazmat team.
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.