Rail transportation safety investigation R26V0009

Table of contents

    Main-track derailment
    Canadian National Railway Company
    Mile 56, Nechako Subdivison
    Vanderhoof, British Columbia

    The occurrence

    On 25 July 2025, a Canadian National Railway Company (CN) unit coal train was travelling west on the main-track of the Nechako Subdivison when 35 loaded hopper cars derailed at mile 56, near Vanderhoof, British Columbia.

    There were no injuries and no dangerous goods involved. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB deploying to train derailment near Vanderhoof, BC

    Investigation information

    Photos

    Derailed hopper cars following the main-track derailment near Vanderhoof, British Columbia. (Source: TSB) Debris from the main-track derailment at mile 56 of the Nechako Subdivision near Vanderhoof, British Columbia. (Source: TSB)

      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

    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.