Rail transportation safety investigation R14T0294
The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 2 November 2015.
Table of contents
Signal passed at stop
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Passenger train no. 62
Mile 278.4, Canadian National Kingston Subdivision
Newtonville, Ontario
The occurrence
On , VIA Rail Canada Inc. passenger train No. 62 was proceeding eastward from Toronto, Ontario, to Montréal, Quebec, on the south track of the Canadian National Kingston Subdivision near Newtonville, Ontario. At 1015 Eastern Daylight Time, VIA 62 passed Signal 2784S displaying a stop, while travelling at about 68 mph. The train was brought to a stop and an emergency radio call was broadcast. The lead locomotive passed the Stop signal by approximately 900 feet. There were no injuries, and there was no derailment or track damage.
Media matetrials
News releases
Two Watchlist issues highlighted in October 2014 VIA Rail train going through stop signal near Newtonville, Ontario
Read the news release
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Ms. Darlene Roosenboom has been with the Railway/Pipeline Investigations Branch of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) since 2004. Currently Specialist/Senior Investigator, Operations, she has provided oversight on a number of other investigations, and is also a trusted agent of TSB’s confidential reporting system, Securitas. Before joining the TSB, Ms. Roosenboom worked for Canadian National Railway Company (CN) for 15 years, predominantly as rail traffic controller; she also held management positions in the work program office, and was a crew coordinator. Ms. Roosenboom obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from York University in 1992, majoring in Sociology.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail 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.