Rail transportation safety investigation R18T0006
The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 17 July 2019.
Table of contents
Crossing accident
Canadian National Railway Company
Freight train Q14891-08
Mile 77.66, Dundas Subdivision
London, Ontario
The occurrence
On , at about 0940 Eastern Standard Time, Canadian National Railway Company freight train Q14891-08, proceeding eastward on the Dundas Subdivision, struck a snowplow on the sidewalk at the Colborne Street public crossing at Mile 77.66 in London, Ontario. The crossing was equipped with flashing light signals, a bell, and gates. The lone occupant of the snowplow was fatally injured.
Media materials
News release
Lack of training on safe working practices led to fatal collision between a snowplow and a train at a railway crossing in London, Ontario
Read the news release
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Ken Miller joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in 2002 and has been a senior investigator with the Rail and Pipeline Investigations Branch since 2004. During that time he has participated in over 40 investigations while also performing the duties of standards and performance specialist.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Miller worked for consulting companies in the resource sector providing geological expertise. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development, management and successful completion of exploration projects.
Mr. Miller's education credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto, Ontario.
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
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.