The northbound freight train derailed east of Sudbury near Wanup, Ontario, when travelling over a rail trestle bridge spanning the Wanapitei River.
The preliminary investigation has identified that one of the rail cars experienced a sudden and unexpected wheel bearing failure, which caused the rail car to derail just before to the bridge. The derailed car then struck the bridge causing a larger derailment and damage to the bridge.
Twenty four intermodal containers were involved in the incident, some entering the river as a result of the derailment. Four currently remain in the river.
Canadian Pacific’s network of electronic systems showed all wheels and bearings to be operating at a normal and acceptable temperature, with no indication of any bearing problems.
Investigations are continuing, with local authorities and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada working with Canadian Pacific.
