Harris Wants Federal Transport Minister To Look at CN Train Crash

Wednesday, August 15, 2007 03:59 AM

Prince George - Cariboo MP Dick Harris says he is taking the information he has been able to garner on the August 4th CN train collision in Prince George to the Federal Minister of Transport to see if anything can be done to ensure this kind of collision does not happen again.

“I have been talking to ex BC Rail employees along with current CN employees trying to get a grip on this thing”, Harris told Opinion250.

(photo shows Forestry Convair dumping fire retardant on fire - photo opinion250 archive)

Harris says according to information he has gathered, it would appear the collision was the result of human error "The train had too many cars attached to it on a 2% grade and the train got into a skid condition."

He adds "We do know that it was management that was in charge of the two trains at the time of the collision and we will need to examine their part as well."

Harris hopes to get the information to the Minister just as soon as he completes his investigation .

Within 24 hours of the incident, Transport Canada issued 5 orders to CN. The railway says it has implemented those orders.

The Transportation Safety Board is conducting its own investigation into the crash and derailment. Meantime, the Mayor of Prince George has written to the Railway's Senior V.P of the Western Region asking for information on how CN will prevent this kind of crash from recurring.

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Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 03:59 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on August 15 2007 6:51 AM

"..Prince George has written to the Railway's Senior V.P of the Western Region asking for information on how CN will prevent this kind of crash from recurring.."

I'd say CN should tell Prince George that CN will use the tracks in the future. Running the train beside the track didn't work.

Posted by: Gofaster on August 15 2007 7:54 AM

My only question to Mr Harris is...
"how hard are you really going to try to get that done?"
There has been so much talk and so little action...
We all know the rails carry dangerous goods...
That is not the issue...
I just want CN to have to keep the trains on the rails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Honestjoe on August 15 2007 6:01 PM

I hope Mr Harris is serious about taking information related to CN's incompetent operation of a railroad to the Federal Minister of Transport rather than just displaying political rhetoric which, we, the taxpayers are fed up with hearing.
Jay Hill, the MP for my riding, continues to remain extremely silent on this issue. He has never answered any communications I have sent to him.Has anyone else out there had the same problem with Jay Hill?
As for Colin Kinsley's letter to CN....just a waste of time and more political rhetoric, I am sure!

Posted by: camoose on August 15 2007 6:16 PM

Who is Dick Harris? I've never heard of him

Posted by: REALIST on August 15 2007 7:03 PM

Perhaps Colin's letter will not be a waste of time. He might end up with a trip to Mexico with people of C.N. instead of B.C. Lottery people like last time. 'Course it will just be a coincidence like last time, and have nothing to do with supporting either cause...

Posted by: REALIST on August 15 2007 7:11 PM

By the way I have a suggestion for the City Councilors who supported all the increased gambling in town. Why not turn Mr. P.G. into a huge slot Machine. His arm is raised just like a slot and he would portray the exact image of P.G. they have been trying to sell all along. He could pay out a million dollars in C.N. stock.