Rail transportation safety investigation R25T0241

Table of contents

    Main-track derailment
    Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPKC)
    Mile 97.6, Nemegos Subdivision
    Sultan, Ontario

    The occurrence

    On 16 September 2025, a Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPKC) intermodal train was travelling east on the main track of the Nemegos Subdivision. The train consisted of three locomotives operating in a distributed power configuration (one at the front, one in the middle and one at the back), as well as 57 loaded cars. At approximately 1436 Eastern Daylight Time, while the train was travelling at about 39 miles per hour, an uninitiated emergency brake application occurred at the west siding switch (Mile 97.6) in Sultan, Ontario.

    Subsequent inspection revealed that 10 multi-platform intermodal cars had derailed. Eight cars came to rest on their sides, and two remained upright. The first derailed car struck two track units that were parked in the siding and were carrying seven workers who were waiting for the train to pass. Both track units rolled into the ditch.

    Four employees sustained minor injuries. The derailment resulted in significant damage to the rail and track infrastructure. The TSB is investigating.

    Photos

    View of derailed intermodal cars resting on their sides following the 16 September 2025 main-track derailment in Sultan, Ontario (Source: TSB)

    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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.