Language selection

News release

Update on TSB investigation into 11 September 2015 fatal railway crossing collision in Langley, British Columbia

Richmond, British Columbia, 18 April 2016 – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) continues its independent investigation into the 11 September 2015 crossing collision between an ambulance and a Canadian National train in Langley, British Columbia.

The occurrence

On 11 September 2015, a northbound Canadian National (CN) train struck an ambulance travelling eastbound at the Crush Crescent–Glover Road, located at Mile 18.81 of the Canadian Pacific (CP) Page Subdivision in Langley, British Columbia. The occupants of the ambulance were two paramedics (one driving and one attending the patient) and one patient. The paramedics sustained injuries and the patient later succumbed to injuries sustained during the collision. The members of the train crew were not injured.

What we know

Progress to date

Transport Canada Notice

TSB rail safety advisory

On 17 March 2016, the TSB issued a rail safety advisory (RSA) to Transport Canada concerning safety issues arising from conflicting information given by the railway crossing and road traffic signals at the Crush Crescent–Glover Road crossing. The RSA suggested that Transport Canada, British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) might wish to review the design and functionality of the Crush Crescent–Glover Road crossing, including the interconnection of the automatic warning devices on the crossing and the road traffic signal system, to ensure that the risks to motorists at this crossing are minimized.

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure responded to the RSA on 13 April 2016. Its response indicates that:

Follow-up with other stakeholders

When TSB followed up with Transport Canada, it noted the following:

When TSB followed up with Canadian Pacific, it indicated that it would:

Railway crossing safety

Railway crossing safety has been identified as one of the key risks to the transportation system, and it is included on the TSB's 2014 Watchlist. The rate of crossing accidents per million main-track train-mile decreased between 2006 and 2010 but it has been stable over the last 5 years, and the TSB is concerned that the risk of trains and vehicles colliding remains too high.

Next steps

Railway Investigation R15V0191


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.

For more information, contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-360-4376
Email: media@tsb.gc.ca