Rail transportation safety investigation R25Q0097

Table of contents

    Main-track derailment
    Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway
    Mile 36.7, Wacouna Subdivision
    Sept-Îles, Quebec

    The occurrence

    On 28 December 2025, a train operated by Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway was travelling southward on the main track of the Wacouna Subdivision when 29 cars loaded with iron ore and a mid-train locomotive derailed at Mile 36.7 near Sept-Îles, Quebec.

    The locomotive’s fuel tank was damaged, causing an unknown amount of diesel fuel to leak. No injuries were reported. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB deployed a team of investigators following a train derailment near Sept-Îles, Quebec

    Investigation information

    Photos

    Figure 1. Derailment site near Sept-Îles, Quebec (Source: Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    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

    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.