Derailed train in Ont. was travelling at more than four times the allowable speed

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The derailed Via Rail in Ontario that took three lives had crossed its speed limit while switching tracks. Preliminary investigation states that the train was travelling at more than four times the allowable speed.

On Thursday, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) said the main cause of derailment was over-speeding.  The investigator, Tom Griffith, said the train’s speed was increased at the time of departure; however, it was never slowed down. He said trains are always slowed down before switching tracks.

Moreover, the black box revealed that the brakes were not applied, which cannot be blamed on the Transportation Safety Board.

“No crew sets out to have an accident, but sadly this crew paid the ultimate price. They lost their lives,” said Griffith.

The president of Via, CEO Marc Laliberte said the company deeply sympathizes for the loss of all the loved ones of those who died in the tragic incident. He said the company prays for the victims and their families.

“In my own 32-year career in Canada’s railways, I have never experienced so much pain and sadness and, like my colleagues, so much helplessness in a position of so much authority,” Laliberte said.

“But I know we will all remember that day, Sunday February 26, 2012, and as we move forward, the memory of these events will sustain our efforts and commitment to safety of train travel for our passengers, our employees and all Canadians. For that is the best way to honour the memory of Ken, Peter and Patrick.”

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