The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 13 August 2020.
Main-track derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger Train 692
Mile 22, CN Gladstone Subdivision
Katrime, Manitoba
The occurrence
On 31 December 2019, VIA Rail Canada Inc. train 692 was proceeding eastward at approximately 60 mph on the Canadian National (CN) Gladstone Subdivision when the 2 head-end locomotives, a baggage car, and 2 passenger coaches derailed at mile 22 near Gladstone, Manitoba. Both locomotives came to rest on their sides, and an undetermined amount of diesel fuel was released. Both locomotive engineers, as well as 1 on-board service employee and 2 passengers, were transported to hospital with minor injuries.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: December 2019 main-track derailment near Gladstone, Manitoba
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys an investigator to a train derailment near Gladstone, Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 31 December 2019 – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying an investigator to a train derailment involving a Via Rail train near Gladstone, Manitoba. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
R19W0329
Main-track derailment
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger Train 692
Mile 22, CN Gladstone Subdivision
Katrime, Manitoba
Investigator-in-charge
Giorgio Celere joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in January of 2015. Before joining the TSB, Mr. Celere was with Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway for 33 years. For the majority of his career he was in CP’s material engineering laboratory, where he obtained experience and formal education in material testing/inspection, welding, metallurgy and failure analysis. He also acquired an extensive background in mechanical and engineering operations, developed portions of CP’s Train Accident Cause-Finding Seminar and assisted in its delivery.
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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.