Rail transportation safety investigation R23H0006

TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 October 2024.

Table of contents

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train M 37231-13
    Mile 69.4, Kingston Subdivision
    Near Cornwall, Ontario

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 13 April 2023 at about 1451 Eastern Daylight Time, Canadian National Railway Company mixed freight train M 37231-13 was proceeding eastward on the south track of the Kingston Subdivision at about 43.2 mph when it passed signal 694S displaying a Stop indication at Wesco (Mile 69.4). At the same time, VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train P 06721-13 was travelling at approximately 45 mph westward on the south track of the Kingston Subdivision, approaching Wesco, where it was lined to cross over to the north track. Both trains stopped about 1100 feet apart. There were no injuries to either crew or to the passengers.

    Media materials

    News release

    Risk of collision between two trains in Ontario highlights the need for physical safety defences on Canada’s railways

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R23H0006

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Freight train M 37231-13
    Mile 69.4, Kingston Subdivision
    Near Cornwall, 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.