TSB Confirms Cause of VIA Train Damage In Brighton

Pete Fisher
6 years ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

As only reported by Today’s Northumberland, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed the cause of damage to a VIA train on February 2 just east of Brighton was a result of the train striking metal (tie) rail plates on the tracks.

A “Rail Safety Advisory Letter” was issued on March 25, 2019.
The letter states the issue of VIA trains coming into contact with track materials placed between the rails in preparation for track work has happened twice.

During the Brighton incident a eastbound VIA passenger train with 11 passenger cars struck numerous rail (tie) plates weighing 27-pounds while the train was travelling at 95 mph.
The letter states the tie plates had been placed between the rails.
“The track materials were to be installed the following day as part of a track maintenance project.”
“Furthermore, a CN hi-rail vehicle, parked near the track, was struck by debris that had been projected from the track – serious injuring an engineering employee when the debris entered the vehicle through the back window.”

Brighton Fire Department along with Northumberland County Paramedics and Northumberland OPP were called the crossing where the VIA train had stopped.
“About 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled from the mid-train locomotive after its fuel tank was punctured.”
Damage to the train included punctured fuel tank, broken brake components, broken windows and lacerations and perforations to the belly plates.
There were no injuries to the passengers.

“Given the potential consequences when trains come into contact with track materials, Canadian National, in conjunction with VIA, may wish to conduct a risk assessment to identify and implement appropriate measures to ensure that VIA trains can travel safely through locations where track materials are placed between the rails in preparation for track work.”

The Rail Safety Advisory Letter was signed by Kirby Jang, Director Investigation Operations Rail/Pipeline.

For the full Rail Safety Advisory Letter
http://www.bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/medias-media/sur-safe/letter/rail/2019/r19h0021/r19h0021-617-03-19.asp

 

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