Communiqués

TSB # R03/2006

THE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA RELEASES ITS FINAL REPORT INTO THE FATAL CROSSING ACCIDENT NEAR CASTLEFORD, ONTARIO, IN 2004

(Gatineau, Quebec, April 25, 2006) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its final report (R04H0014) into the fatal crossing accident between a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) train and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) near Castleford, Ontario, on October 6, 2004.

The investigation revealed that the SUV driver was speeding and must have been focused on maintaining control of the vehicle on a difficult stretch of curved road. The report also noted that the location of the flashing signal lights on the right-hand side of the road and the growth of brush and trees on the inside of the curve limited the view of the advance warning signals.

The TSB issued a Rail Safety Information letter and a Rail Safety Advisory to Transport Canada (TC); the first regarding the Ottawa Valley Railway's signal visibility guidelines, and the second concerning the sighting distance of the front flashing lights that had been installed to the left of the roadway. The advisory also suggested that TC might wish to identify other crossings with road approach characteristics and signal systems similar to those at River Road, and consider action to increase the level of signal warning for highway users.

Various safety actions have been taken as a result of this investigation including the installation of an additional set of lights on the far left side of the crossing and of a 70 km/h reduced speed warning on the curve warning sign ahead of the crossing, as well as the cutting of brush along the highway right-of-way. On-site meetings concluded that the installation of an active advance warning sign was most appropriate for the northward approach to the crossing. However, the Board is concerned that the process has resulted in no action for more than one year since the occurrence.

On October 6, 2004, the CPR train, proceeding eastward at 28 mph on the Ottawa Valley Railway, struck a northbound SUV at the River Road public crossing near Castleford. The driver of the vehicle did not appear to notice the train until it was too late to stop or to brake. The occupant of the vehicle was killed.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation 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.

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The public report, R04H0014 and photos are also available on this site.