Transportation Safety Board of Canada Identifies Track Deficiencies at Site of Recent CN Derailment Near Montreal

The CN freight train following the derailment on July 5, 2026 in Repentigny, Quebec (Source: Transportation Safety Board of Canada)

REPENTIGNY, Quebec –– Canadian National experienced a derailment near Montreal on July 5. Site investigation has revealed track deficiencies.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued an original report and an updated version with initial site investigation findings. According to the report:

“On 05 July 2026, Canadian National Railway Company (CN) freight train A46121-05 was traveling southward at 48 mph on the main track of CN’s Joliette Subdivision. The train consisted of 2 locomotives at the head end, a mid-train remote-controlled distributed power locomotive, and 172 rail cars, of which 13  were tank cars containing dangerous goods residue. It weighed 19,862 tons and measured 11,449 feet long. 

“At about 1630 [4:30 a.m.], after the head-end locomotives had crossed the public grade crossing on Boulevard Le Bourg-Neuf in Repentigny, Quebec, located at Mile 120.68 (Figure 1), a train-initiated emergency brake application occurred.  

“Once the train came to a stop, the crew observed that several cars had derailed. Based on preliminary information obtained by the TSB, the number of derailed cars is estimated at 49. The derailed cars were scattered in various positions near residences on both sides of the right-of-way.  

“No one was injured, and there was no release of dangerous goods.” 

After the derailment, TSB investigators found track deficiencies near the site of the derailment. TSB reported:

“Following the accident, a team of TSB investigators attended the site to assess the occurrence and to collect and examine data related to train operation the condition of the rolling stock and the condition of the track and infrastructure. 

“Investigators examined the track in the area of the derailment, as well as 8 other sections of track that had not been affected by the accident. According to initial observations, several deficiencies were identified in relation to the track.  

“Given the risks identified, the TSB sent a Rail Safety Advisory to Transport Canada on 10 July 2026. Rail Safety Advisory 02/26 addresses the condition of rail anchors on CN’s Joliette subdivision and is intended to inform the regulator of safety deficiencies identified that could pose a risk.”

Please note the link to the Rail Safety Advisory 02/26 report in the preceding paragraph. This report offers details on the specific track deficiencies found by the TSB.

The CN freight train following the derailment on July 5, 2026 in Repentigny, Quebec (Source: Transportation Safety Board of Canada)

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