Derailment Report Complete

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has released its report on the Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway Limited train derailment that occurred near Linacy, Pictou Co., on April 18, 2004.

The report was prepared by the safety board at the request of Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Public Works, which is responsible for the administration of the provincial Railways Act.

The safety board found that the derailment occurred as a result of a combination of factors including track conditions and rigid tank cars -- which can be more susceptible to track irregularities.

The report says that the curve where the derailment took place had its rails originally banked to handle trains travelling at 45 miles per hour. The speed in the area of the derailment was reduced to 30 mph in 1993, but the banking remained unchanged as it met Transport Canada guidelines.

The report notes that the track in the area had been tested annually for rail flaws and defects and that the train crew followed emergency procedures and reported the derailment immediately. The report also says the Cape Breton & Central Nova Scotia Railway has already adjusted the rail elevation at most of the curves where train speeds have been reduced (a program to correct the remaining curves is now complete).

The report suggests increased use of the province's 911 system for rail-related emergencies.

The complete report can be viewed at the Transportation and Public Works website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/tsbReportJune05.pdf .