Exclusive – Today’s Northumberland has discovered what is believed to have caused the damage to a VIA passenger train east of Brighton on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Numerous sources have indicated a number of metal railroad tie plates were struck by the eastbound VIA train.
The tie plates are used for fixing rails to railway ties along the tracks.
It’s unknown how many railroad tie plates were struck, but the some plates were discovered on private property on Sunday, February 3.
The plates weigh approximately nine kilograms (20 pounds) each and some where thrown 30 metres (approximately 100 feet) or more from the impact – some partially buried in the snow.
“They would have been like missiles,” said one source.
Plates caused “extensive” damage to the train on both sides including ricocheting off other objects and damaging windows along with the undercarriage and air lines.
In just over two kilometres from the point of impact approximately 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel leaked out after a tank on one engine was punctured several times.
One CN worker was in a pickup truck when it’s believed at least one of the tie plates went through the wire mesh of the back window of the vehicle. The worker was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There was also other damage to other areas of the pickup.
Railway ties were also clearly damaged by the scattering debris.
Kaven Delarosbil who is a Public Relations advisor with VIA Rail stated emergency services including the fire department were called as a “preventive measure.”
“VIA Rail acknowledges that this situation has an impact on the travel plans of our customers and we apologize for the inconvenience.”
“The safety and well-being of our passengers remain our number one priority. There is currently a joint investigation going on by VIA Rail and CN, the owner of the infrastructure.”
Delarosbil would not disclose the speed of the train at the time of the impact stating it was part of the investigation. When asked what the speed limit for passenger trains in the area, Delarosbil referred the question to CN Rail.
Transportation Safety Board Communications spokesperson Julie Leroux confirmed on Sunday evening that currently the TSB is investigating, but it has yet to be determined at what level the investigation will be.
Alternative transportation was offered to passengers from Belleville to their final destination.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
