CN, however, defends its safety record and its inspection and maintenance practices.
The TSB said that, between CN and Transport Canada, there was a failure to “address latent deficiencies, such as the ones identified” in the derailment that killed two Prince George men last May.
On May 14, 2003, a 93-car freight train derailed on a bridge just west of McBride, plunging into a gully and bursting into flames. Ken Le Quesne and Art McKay, both 51, were killed in the accident. Five rail cars, two locomotives and the bridge were also destroyed.
“Our investigators have brought to light a number of shortcomings related to the inspection and maintenance of timber bridges,” said Camille Theriault, chair of the TSB.