The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 25 January 2017.
Main-track train collision
Canadian Pacific Railway
Freight trains 602-242 and 113-01
Mile 62.0, Mountain Subdivision
Beavermouth, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 5, at approximately 0223 Pacific Daylight Time, Canadian Pacific Railway Train 602-242, travelling eastward on the main track of the Mountain Subdivision, collided with westbound Canadian Pacific Railway Train 113-01, which was entering the siding track near Beavermouth, British Columbia. As a result of the collision, 2 locomotives and the first car behind the locomotives on train 602-242 as well as one set of trucks on the 64th car on train 113-01 derailed. The conductor of train 602-242 sustained a serious injury. No dangerous goods were released.
Media materials
News release
Inadequate defenses to ensure railway signals are followed led to September 2015 train collision near Golden, British Columbia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
Transportation Safety Board of Canada deploys team following train collision and derailment near Golden, British Columbia
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team to the site of a collision and derailment between 2 Canadian Pacific trains near Golden, British Columbia. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R15V0183
Main-track train collision
Canadian Pacific Railway
Freight trains 602-242 and 113-01
Mile 62.0, Mountain Subdivision
Beavermouth, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
James Carmichael has been with the Transportation Board of Canada (TSB) in the Railway/Pipeline Investigations Branch since 2008. During his time at the TSB he has been a key investigator in a number of investigations in Western Canada.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Carmichael held various mechanical positions with four separate railroads. At British Columbia Railway (BCR) from 1980 to 2004, Mr. Carmichael gained considerable experience in the mechanical field; he worked as a carman and progressed into a management role as general supervisor in the Car Department. Over the next 4 years Mr. Carmichael worked for CN Rail and CP Rail as a mechanical supervisor. He was also regional manager for Mechanical with OmniTRAX's Carlton Trail, Hudson Bay, and Okanagan Valley Railroads. He holds certifications as a hazardous materials technician and tank car specialist and was a member of BCR’s Emergency Response Team. Mr. Carmichael lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Photos
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.