The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 August 2020.
Main-track train derailment
Canadian Pacific Railway
Freight train 118-01
Mile 126.4, Maple Creek Subdivision
Irvine, Alberta
The occurrence
On , a Canadian Pacific train was proceeding eastward at 35 mph when 22 cars, including 5 dangerous goods tank cars, derailed at mile 126.5 of the Maple Creek Subdivision in Irvine, Alberta. Emergency services were deployed, the area was evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: August 2019 main-track derailment in Irvine, Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to a train derailment in Irvine, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, 3 August 2019 – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a Canadian Pacific Railway train derailment that occurred yesterday in Irvine, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R19C0088
Main-track train derailment
Canadian Pacific Railway
Freight train 118-01
Mile 126.4, Maple Creek Subdivision
Irvine, Alberta
Investigator-in-charge
James Carmichael has been with the Transportation Safety 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 Vernon, British Columbia.
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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.