Rail transportation safety investigation R23Q0022

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 9 May 2024.

Table of contents

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway
    Ore train W039
    Mile 128.3, Wacouna Subdivision
    Mai, Quebec

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 22 February 2023, at approximately 2133 Eastern Standard Time, the empty Tacora Resources Inc. ore train W039, operated by Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, was travelling northward on Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway’s Wacouna Subdivision when it passed a Stop signal without authority at Mile 128.3 at Mai Station, Quebec. There was no collision or derailment, and there were no injuries.

    Media materials

    News release

    2024-05-09

    TSB report highlights the importance of adequate supervision for newly qualified railway employees
    Read the news release

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    R23Q0022

    Movement exceeds limits of authority
    Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway
    Ore train W039
    Mile 128.3, Wacouna Subdivision
    Mai, Quebec

      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.