(The Canadian Press circulated the following story on April 26.)
VANCOUVER — Investigators are checking the braking systems of every rail car and locomotive involved in the deadly CP Rail accident in Trail, B.C., earlier this week.
Dan Holbrook with the Transportation Safety Board says it’s clear the train was running uncontrolled down the steep track Monday before it crashed.
While faulty brakes are a possible cause, Holbrook points out there are operating procedures, checks and practices that need to be stringently followed by the crew, especially in mountain territory.
Any grade over 1.8 per cent is considered mountain grade and this spur-line grade was near four per cent.
Lonnie Plasko, a 51-year-old CP Rail engineer, was killed in the crash, while two other crew members jumped to safety.