The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 September 2020.
Movement exceeds limits of authority
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P02921-31
Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
Drummondville, Quebec
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P02921-31
Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
Drummondville, Quebec
The occurrence
On , at approximately 1935, VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA) passenger train P02921-31 (VIA 29), proceeding west on the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) Drummondville Subdivision at approximately 32 mph, passed Signal 991 that was displaying a stop indication a few seconds after eastbound VIA passenger train P02821‑31 (VIA 28) had cleared the main track. There were no injuries.
Media materials
News release
TSB reiterates the need for additional physical safety defences after a passenger train passed a Stop indication in Drummondville, QC
Read the news release
Investigation information
R18D0096
Movement exceeds limits of authority
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train P02921-31
Mile 99.1, Drummondville Subdivision
Drummondville, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Nathalie Lepage has been with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) for over 25 years. She was appointed to her current position in 2011.
Ms. Lepage is a certified train conductor and brings on board extensive experience in TSB investigation processes and communications. She has been investigator-in-charge of several rail accident investigations, and acted as resource person and spokesperson on many other TSB investigations. She graduated in 1992 from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor's degree.
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.