Canadian National Railway’s (CN) safety record deteriorated sharply in 2014, reversing years of improvements. According to Reuters, which has analyzed data obtained under access to information laws, the recent rail accidents are actually part of a broader trend.
Trains operated by CN in Canada derailed along main lines 57 times in 2014, up 73% from 33 in 2013 and well above a 2009-2013 average of 39 accidents per year. At least 27 of the domestic derailments were caused by track problems, up from a previous annual average of 14. Data for smaller rival Canadian Pacific Railway showed no similar pattern.
CN has announced it was reviewing recent trends and has started testing tracks more frequently, boosted spending on infrastructure and installed new technology to detect problems with its tracks and equipment.
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