Transport Canada approves rules to secure trains in response to Lac-Megantic

By The Canadian Press
July 29 2015 09:44 AM

CP34012381 — The downtown core lays in ruins as firefighters continue to water the smoldering rubble, Sunday, July 7, 2013 in Lac-Mégantic, Que. after a train derailed igniting tanker cars carrying crude oil. Transport Canada has approved rules intended to reduce the risk of runaway trains in response to recommendations by the Transportation Safety Board following the deadly derailment in Lac-Megantic, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

OTTAWA – Transport Canada has approved rules intended to reduce the risk of runaway trains in response to recommendations by the Transportation Safety Board following the deadly derailment in Lac-Megantic, Que.

The department says the rules set a standard on the number of applied handbrakes required and additional securement measures to secure trains.

Such measures were imposed in an emergency directive after the disaster in Lac-Megantic, but Transport Canada say they are now permanent and more detailed.

The rules include a handbrake application chart for various operating situations, which once applied must be confirmed by another employee with an appropriate level of knowledge.

Forty-seven people were killed on July 6, 2013, when an unattended train loaded with oil exploded after careening into the centre of Lac-Megantic.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Report a Typo

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.