TSB notes that in 2017, 1,090 railway accidents were reported to the TSB, a 21% increase over 2016, but close to the five-year average of 1,028. There were 77 rail-related fatalities – 11 more than the previous year, but close to the five-year average of 75. Among these, 53 involved trespassers, compared to 47 in 2016 and to the five-year average of 39.
Among all TSB-reported railway accidents, 115 involved dangerous goods, up from 100 in 2016, but a 9% decrease compared to the five-year average of 127. Five of those accidents in 2017 resulted in a dangerous goods release.
There were 274 railway incidents reported to the TSB in 2017, a 16% decrease from 2016 and a 13% decrease from the five-year average. About half of these (122) were movement exceeds limits of authority incidents – 11 fewer than in 2016, but close to the five-year average of 124.
In early spring, the TSB will release its complete and final statistical reports for 2017, including accident rates and a more thorough analysis of the data.
