Update: The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 14 August 2018.
Crossing collision
PNR RailWorks Quebec Inc.
Track unit PNR 728
Mile 12.15, Canadian Pacific Railway Vaudreuil Subdivision
Beaconsfield, Quebec
The occurrence
On , at approximately 1440 Eastern Standard Time, a snow removal track unit that was proceeding westward on the south track of the Vaudreuil Subdivision struck a vehicle at the Woodland Avenue public crossing at Mile 12.15 in Beaconsfield, Quebec. The crossing was equipped with flashing lights, bell and gates. Emergency services responded and provided treatment to one vehicle occupant who sustained minor injuries.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: February 2018 crossing collision in Beaconsfield, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
R18D0020
Crossing collision
PNR RailWorks Quebec Inc.
Track unit PNR 728
Mile 12.15, Canadian Pacific Railway Vaudreuil Subdivision
Beaconsfield, 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 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.