GATINEAU, Que. - The Transportation Safety Board says a freight train derailment in northern Ontario was caused by the complete failure of a previously cracked rail.
The incident took place on Jan. 13 as the Canadian Pacific train was travelling about 34 kilometres east of Nipigon.
The TSB says the 31-car train included seven dangerous goods tank cars loaded with propane.
The board's investigation found that a cracked rail gave way completely as the train drove over it, causing 21 cars including the propane tanks to derail.
They say the crack in the rail went undetected despite regular inspections because it was located behind joint bars, making it difficult to spot at a time when the track base was covered in snow.
The TSB says CP's safety procedures were lacking in the incident. One crew member sustained minor injuries after inhaling propane that leaked from the train.
