Latest train derailment in Ontario shows new safety standards inadequate: TSB

TIMMINS, Ont. — Canada's transport investigator says a freight train derailment in northern Ontario earlier this month suggests new safety requirements for tank cars carrying flammable liquids are inadequate.

The Transportation Safety Board says the Class 111 tank cars involved in the Feb. 14 CN train derailment south of Timmins met the upgraded standards for new tank cars carrying crude and other flammable liquids.

But it says the cars still "performed similarly" to those involved in the deadly derailment in Lac-Megantic, Que., two years ago, which predated the changes.

In both cases, the board says, the tank cars ruptured and released crude oil, which fed the flames.

The agency says this month's incident "demonstrates the inadequacy" of the new standards.

It is urging Transport Canada to quickly introduce enhanced protection standards to reduce the risk of spills when these tanks are involved in accidents.