Canadian Pacific beefs up safety procedures following Lac-Megantic disaster

CALGARY – Canadian Pacific Railway (TSX:CP) says it’s strengthening some of its safety procedures following the fatal disaster in Lac-Megantic, Que., caused by a runaway train owned by a small U.S. railway.

Nearly two weeks ago, an unmanned train belonging to the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic railway carrying 72 cars full of oil crashed into the town, setting off explosions that are believed to have killed up to 50 people.

Canadian Pacific spokesman Ed Greenberg says the railway felt it was prudent to implement additional safety measures in light of the tragedy.

For instance, Greenberg says if trains must be left unattended outside a terminal or yard, the locomotive will be locked; in the past that was only the case in “high risk” locations.

Brake-setting procedures will also be strengthened and trains carrying regulated commodities will not be left unattended on main line tracks.

A spokesman for Montreal-based Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) says the railroad has a robust system to make sure trains are secure, but that it is also reviewing its procedures.