Communiqués

TSB # R06/2006

THE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA RELEASES ITS FINAL REPORT INTO THE FATAL CROSSING ACCIDENT IN BROCKVILLE, ONTARIO, IN 2005

(Gatineau, Quebec, September 6, 2006) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its final investigation report (R05T0030) into the fatal crossing accident in Brockville, Ontario, on February 17, 2005. The report exposes a significant safety deficiency relating to multi-track crossings. That safety deficiency contributes to pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The Board has made a recommendation to make multi-track crossings safer, not only for the community in Brockville, but for communities across Canada.

On February 17, 2005, a young girl lost her life and a second received serious injuries while crossing double railway tracks near their school. The Board determined that the two pedestrians stepped into the path of the eastward train while likely preoccupied with the passing of the westward train and their conversation. This type of accident is termed a "second-train collision." The TSB report shows that the proportion of this type of accident is increasing. The outcome of one of these accidents almost invariably results in a fatality. Without a pedestrian safety-specific intervention at multi-track crossings, the outcomes are not likely to change. Second train accidents are continuing, and children are especially at risk when faced with that deficiency.

The Board recommends that Transport Canada assess the risk at all double-track crossings in communities across Canada, make that assessment public, and work with railways and communities to design solutions for crossings at risk for second-train accidents. "This recommendation, aimed at the entire railway system, will have an impact for Canadians who must face Canada's busy and hazardous multi-track crossings daily on their way to and from school or work," said Mrs. Wendy A. Tadros, Chair of the TSB.

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 reports, R05T0030 and R95D0055, the Backgrounder, photos and animation [3,715 KB] are also available on this site.