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TSB releases report on Gogama derailments

Report focuses on first of two fiery Gogama derailments in 2015

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation into the Feb. 14, 2015, Gogama CN train derailment at a news conference in Sudbury this morning.

Speakers included Kathy Fox, chair of the TSB, Rob Johnston, manager, Central Region Rail Operations, and Sylvie Dionne, manager, Materials Analysis and Structures.

TSB broadcast the event live on its YouTube channel. Sudbury.com carred the live feed. Simply click play in the box above to watch the press conference.

The train derailment in question, which occurred Feb. 14, 2015, in a remote area near Gogama, involved a train hauling tank cars, 68 loaded with petroleum crude oil and 32 loaded with petroleum distillates.

The train crew felt a heavy tug, and the emergency brakes were applied. The crew observed a fire about 10 cars behind the locomotives, and detached the locomotives.

There were no injuries reported, and no evacuation was required. The product in several cars was allowed to burn. All fires were extinguished by Feb. 20, 2015.

It is estimated that a total of over a million litres of product was released, either to the atmosphere or to the ground.

Less than a month later, on March 7, 2015, a second derailment occurred in the Gogama area. This derailment also involved a fire and the release of petroleum crude oil into the environment.


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