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Derailment

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‘Ice Jacking’ Blamed For Winter Derailment In Emo

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A build-up of ice and snow under the tracks is being blamed for a CN train derailment that occurred in Emo in February.

A total of 33 rail cars left the track February 18 at a crossing on Highway 602.

Six cars spilled over 319-thousand litres of petroleum crude oil.

The Transportation Safety Board says the build-up of ice and snow caused the rail to separate from the tie plates and spread under the weight of the train.

The board says rail companies are aware of this phenomenon known as ‘ice jacking’ which can be difficult to detect even through visual inspections because of the snow.

The TSB notes that CN had inspected that rail just two days before the crash.

Video from a train that passed the crossing earlier in the day revealed snow covering the build-up.

Image from the forward-facing video from CN train 118 (Source: Transportation Safety Board/Canadian National Railway Company)

The Board found no fault with the crew, noting “the locomotive event recorder data determined that the train was handled in accordance with all regulatory and company requirements, with no operating anomalies noted.”

Here is the TSB’s final report in full.

Rail Transportation Safety … by Randy Thoms on Scribd

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Doug Judson Questions Health Of Rail Line

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There are more questions and concerns being raised about the state of the CN rail line in the Fort Frances district.

Councillor Doug Judson says last week’s train derailment and oil spill in Emo is the latest in a series of incidents.

Judson says people are asking “why are there so many derailment within the same 40-kilometre track between Fort Frances and Chapple.”

He stress blame doesn’t need to be cast, but local politicians have to ensure residents are protected.

Judson stresses the rail line runs through the heart of municipalities and two First Nations.

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CN Updates Train Derailment

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CN Rail and the Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of a train derailment south of Emo.

The incident happened around 8:30 Tuesday night and company officials say about 30 railcars left the track in various positions.

Several railcars were leaking crude oil, however, preliminary reports indicate no product has entered the waterway.

Local emergency responders and provincial authorities are on site and CN crews are responding.

There was no fire or injuries and some residents near the site remain evacuated as a precaution.

Highway 605 remains closed as the crossing remains blocked due to the derailment.

A statement was provided to CKDR News “CN would like to thank the emergency responders and we apologize for the disruption this incident is causing the evacuated residents and the inconvenience to the citizens of Emo.”