Rail transportation safety investigation R18V0016

Update: The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 February 2019.

Table of contents

    Main-track train derailment
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train C76751-17
    Mile 49.07, Bulkley Subdivision
    New Hazelton, British Columbia

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On , at about 0718 Pacific Standard Time, Canadian National Railway Company freight train C76751-17, proceeding westward at 29 mph, experienced a train-initiated emergency brake application at Mile 49.07 of the Bulkley Subdivision near New Hazelton, British Columbia. A subsequent inspection determined that 27 gondola cars loaded with thermal coal had derailed, with some coal spilled into the nearby waterway. There were no injuries and no dangerous goods were involved.

    Media materials

    News release

    2019-02-21

    A broken axle led to January 2018 derailment of CN freight train near New Hazelton, British Columbia
    Read the news release

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R18V0016

    Main-track train derailment
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train C76751-17
    Mile 49.07, Bulkley Subdivision
    New Hazelton, British Columbia

      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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.