Rail transportation safety investigation R20H0130

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 13 December 2022.

Table of contents

    Collision between train and track unit
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train G87441-25 and
    Track unit
    Mile 3.2, Caramat Subdivision
    Jackfish, Ontario

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On , at approximately 1125 Eastern Standard Time, Canadian National Railway Company freight train G87441-25 was proceeding eastward at about 32 mph on the Caramat Subdivision when it collided with a stationary hi-rail vehicle at the Jackfish turnout switch at Mile 3.2. The signal maintainer, who was performing testing on the switch, was not in the vehicle. The train did not derail and no one was injured. The hi-rail vehicle was destroyed, while the lead locomotive sustained minor damage.

    Media materials

    News releases

    2022-12-13

    TSB releases investigation report into 2020 collision between train and track maintenance vehicle near Hornepayne, Ontario
    Read the news release

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R20H0130

    Collision between train and track unit
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train G87441-25 and
    Track unit
    Mile 3.2, Caramat Subdivision
    Jackfish, Ontario

      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.