The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 8 December 2020.
Main-track train derailment and dangerous goods release
Canadian Pacific RailwayFreight train 469-01
Mile 17.88, Aldersyde Subdivision
Barons, Alberta
The occurrence
On , a locomotive and 21 cars from a Canadian Pacific Railway freight train derailed at Mile 17.8 of the Aldersyde Subdivision near Barons, Alberta. Three of the cars involved were loaded dangerous goods tank cars that leaked an undetermined amount of octanes, a flammable liquid. Emergency services implemented a temporary evacuation order and rerouted vehicular traffic in the occurrence area due to the dangerous goods release. There were no injuries or fire reported.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: September 2019 main-track train derailment in Barons, Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to the site of a train derailment in Barons, Alberta
Richmond Hill, Ontario, 2 September 2019 – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a Canadian Pacific train derailment near Barons, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R19C0094
Main-track train derailment and dangerous goods release
Canadian Pacific RailwayFreight train 469-01
Mile 17.88, Aldersyde Subdivision
Barons, Alberta
Investigator-in-charge
Robert LeBlanc is a Regional Senior Investigator working with the TSB Rail and Pipeline Investigations Branch in Edmonton, Alberta. Since joining the TSB in 2018, Robert has been part of several TSB investigation teams extensively involved in several high-profile rail occurrences. He brings to the TSB over 33 years of experience at CN in all technical aspects of locomotive and freight train operations.
Mr. LeBlanc’s main responsibilities at CN grew to include air brakes and train handling, train dynamics, train marshalling, mountain grade operations, risk analysis, as well as derailment investigation, analysis, cause finding, and prevention. He was also a driving force at CN behind the introduction and implementation of new technology, such as distributed power (DP) operations, alternating current (AC) traction locomotives, and wireless real-time monitoring and data retrieval from locomotives working on trains, including the modernization of operating rules, standards and best practices related to embedding these technologies.
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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.