The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 26 March 2018.
Crossing collision
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P60321-25
Mile 77.2, Canadian National Railway Company La Tuque Subdivision
Hervey-Jonction, Quebec
The occurrence
On , a VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train travelling westwards at 39 mph on the CN La Tuque Subdivision with a locomotive, a baggage car and a coach car struck a logging truck at private crossing Mile 77.2 near Hervey-Jonction, Quebec, resulting in the derailment of all rolling stock.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Crossing collision near Hervey-Jonction, Quebec, October 2017
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to a Via Rail train crossing accident near Hervey-Jonction, QC
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a Via Rail train crossing accident near Hervey-Jonction, QC. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R17Q0088
Crossing collision
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P60321-25
Mile 77.2, Canadian National Railway Company La Tuque Subdivision
Hervey-Jonction, 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.